Bicycle Mechanics - Pricing on new bike assemblies

Just got back into bikes after 10+ years away and was wondering how much the shops or bike mechanics charge for the labot to assembe a road bike?....I was thinking about buying a bare frame and the components. Oh yeah, how many man/ or women hours go into a complete assembly, assuming I have all the correct parts? Just wondering.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Well, I don't have a direct answer to your question but a friend recently took his old Colnago frame to a LBS (in Eagle Rock) where they built the bike up for him at no charge after purchasing a complete Record groupo from them.

Depending on the shop owner, if you buy the buildkit from him, he might do it for free. But if not, its usually around 60-70 dollars for labor.

If you were to buy all the pieces from me frame components, etc. Labor would be no charge. However if you came in with a box of parts and a frame, labor would be $50.

Buying a bare frame and picking out the components piece by piece can mean you get exacltY what you want, but will be much more expensive than buying a road bike pre-assembled from a reputable company. Many LBS's will even give you credit for the parts on the bike if you want to switch out certain things for an upgraded version. Depending on your level of experience, assembling an entire bike could take a long time. One of the fun things about assembling a bike from scratch is that you become so familiar with each part that adjusting it later on is a breeze. It's your money, but I would either buy pre-assembled or build from scratch by myself. With the copy of Barnette's online here and the help of the people who frequent these forums, you shouldn't have a problem doing it yourself as long as you have patience. You could avoid buying some of the more expensive tools by having the LBS install things like the BB and headset.

-Moab

Thanks for the great answers everyone...I totally agree. Assembled bikes are priced very good. As far as me, I have spent the last 15 years building and maintaining 180+mph drag racing cars, so I'm very sure I will learn all the technical things about bikes in time...just a matter of time. I was thinking about going with an inexpensive frame with top of the line components and upgrading the frame later is why I was wondering about the assembly times. Either way, I will still plan on test riding some bikes at SuperGo before I buy anything.

Thanks again!

Originally posted by bman
As far as me, I have spent the last 15 years building and maintaining 180+mph drag racing cars, so I'm very sure I will learn all the technical things about bikes in time...just a matter of time.
Well then.... building a bike should be a piece of cake! It's as easy as re-packing your wheel bearings.

I'm hoping so George...I figure I'll be up to speed soon and when i get the killer carbon or moly frame I'll be ready....I hope.

Good luck!...This place is a great resource if you have any questions.

-Moab

Actually, I would do it the other way around. Buy a good frame and cheaper components. The Frame is the HEART of the bike and will usually last a long time.

As a relative beginner, you're going to be hard on your components. Plus, if you crash, the things usually destroyed are your shifters and rear derailleur, not to mention the seat. After you've been riding a while and have "learned" some proper technique, you'll be less likely to crash. Plus, one big step is to ride with "clipless" pedals. That's usually good for a crash or two!

L8R

I charge $80-$120 for a build up and it takes between two and three hours. Included is facing, chasing, and a thirty day check up. I also retension wheels if they are new.
Frame swap would be about the same price range tending towards the longer more $$ end because I also need to remove and clean everything.

Definately put your money into a good frame rather than fancy components. You can make a great bike from a fine frame with good-enough components, but a lousy frame will always make a lousy bike.
When it comes to frames, there are a couple of small workshops producing excellent value stock sized (ie not custom geometry) frames, ideal for shop or home builds. Surley, Soma, and Gunnar are 3 of the best, they all seem to be of a similar mould, ie modern lightweight steel, conventional well proven geometry, with sufficient attatchment points to be useful, and top quality build and alignment.
On a factory build, all the components are of a similar quality for the price, but you can save money on some parts, like bars, stem and seatpost, and put the extra cash into a better hubs, headset or bottom bracket (ie the moving parts).

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm going back to my original plan. Found a Allez Sport bike that is only 3 years old and it sounds like its low mileaged and basically all factory. Going to ride it tonite...If I like it I should be able to get it for under $300. I think it will be a good way for me to get my feet wet on road biking and learn how to do all the mechanics on my own so I'll know better how to choose the right bike for me when I spend some $$$$, which I hope is very soon.

Thanks again