Depending on the anticipated price, delivery period, and final 'differences' of your custom frame as compared to the OTSO, you may find yourself splitting hairs to not just buy the OTSO. No doubt you'll find that bridge soon enough. As for the fork search, I'll reckon they're just the sitting in line watching online inventories like the rest of the shops/customers in the world. That may be a part you have to source elsewhere (international or used), or forego for the time being, as my previous global supply chain comments have echoed. Unfortunately, your LBS is probably too small of an account to be able to grab an early pre-order, or be able afford a pre-order large enough to capture some of these goods for MY21. With that, they're stuck waiting for backed up shipping containers and MINIMAL inventory that the rest of the country's LBS are also eyeing. As you may know, there are only so many domestic distributors of some brands, so the buying floor is PACKED. Buying a complete bike is more pertinent than ever to secure some components right now, as the bike manufacturers are sometimes the ONLY customers big enough to buy-in or be given priority over piece-meal consumers.Well said. Fortunately, I have a great local shop just down the road from me that I worked in 25 years ago and that I still support today. The only things that don't come from the shop are custom Chinese frames and rims, and anytime I find take-off parts for less than half off. You've commented on my gravel build and I really am torn between the custom frame and getting one of the Warakins that they have coming in in late April or early May. The shop has been having issues getting me the fork for my single speed since last fall. Luckily it's still ski season here so no rush just yet.