Build my own bike?

[BeeLady]

I called Xtracycle today to order my Surly Big Dummy. And I was told they don't have any built bikes left. They can send me the frame, headset, fork and sell me some handlebars (I want those high risers). Other than that its up to me and my LBS.

I priced the components on the built Big Dummy that Xtracyle has sold and with me buying the components would end up costing more than what Xtracyle could sell it to me for built, but in SEPTEMBER.

So, how hard is it to build a bike? If I ask my LBS to do it, is it customary for the LBS to give me a financial break on the the components, i.e., paying closer to their wholesale price than the retail price? Plus pay their labor costs (how long would it take them anyway?)

On one hand I think it would be a great learning experience to research, buy and install the components. My DH could help with the installation and my LBS could do the fine tuning, cable connections, etc.

Any comments from you more experienced ladies? The reasons I would even consider attempting it DIY is to save some money and to learn about bikes. But then again, I don't want to be still "building my bike" in October!!!!

[mimitabby]

When I bought my frame, the LBS charged I think $200 for assembly. They did give me a discount on the parts they sold me but I bought a custom frame from them; so it might be different for you.

there was no way on earth that i was going to try to assemble that bike!

[BeeLady]

Thanks Mimi. I need that kind of discouragement. Seriously -- I would hate to buy all these parts, have the frame, etc. and then have the LBS put me on the bottom of the list and charge me heavily since I went around them on everything. I'm sure building a bike sounds a lot easier than it is.

Two hundred dollars assembly does not sound bad to me. I guess I'll go buy my LBS tomorrow and go over the process to get an estimate.

Unless of course some others really believe it is doable. . .

[DebW]

Unless you are very familiar with parts available and lots of technical details, it would be good to work with a shop to make sure that all the parts you buy will work together and will work with your frame. You need to know what length derailleur cage to get for your chainring/cog combinations. You need to make sure the chainline will be correct. You need the correct reach on the brake calipers. If you order through them and they find a problem, they should correct it, but if you've bought the parts you'll have to buy something else.

[Thorn]

Interesting....the "assembly charge" on the two bikes I had built this winter were both under $100. But, I would guess that I paid more, relatively speaking, for the parts. It is all marketing. But good marketing--with those prices I'd only build myself if I wanted the experience.

So, if you want the experience building a bike, do it, but, as others have said, work with the LBS for the parts so that they work together. This winter I built up two bikes, a purrrrr-ty Waterford with Campy Chorus and a Surly Pacer, dubbed Slush Kicker, for riding in sloppy weather.

Needless to say the Pacer did not get high-end components and, given that here in the snow-bound north, roads are either white with snow cover or white with salt crust, I really didn't want to spend much on Pacer parts that would need replacement every few years or so.

The LBS was great....he pulled out sale catalogs and closeouts and successfully built up a bike that would have cost 1.5 times what I paid for it if it was "off-the-shelf". Very unusual, since the big manufacturers pay a fraction of what we do for the components--as you discovered when you costed out the Big Dummy. For the Pacer build the LBS was invaluable--they have connections.

[mimitabby]

Thorn, I walked into the bike shop with my own Campy setup, saddle, and wheels.
I believe the charge was 200, the point is, they charged, i might be wrong on the exact fee.