SAB

I have a Surly Double-Cross frame on the way and plan to build it up as a winter/cyclocross bike. I have some parts from an older bike and will get some new parts to complete the package. I won't be going with top-of-line stuff - low-to-mid-range items mostly. In any case I can take everything to my LBS to have them build it up, or I can do it myself. I don't mind putting the time in and my primary motivator is not to save money. I have some experience with things like adjusting brakes/derailleurs/chain/headset etc... The main concerns would be installing new bottom bracket (shimano Ultegra) and headset (threadless), which I've never done before. I guess I'd need to by a repair stand and the specialized tools for doing the BB/headset installation. I would also have to cut the steerer tube on the fork down to size - I guess I'd hate to screw that up! Any advice?

SAB

sydney

You don't HAVE to have a repair stand to build a bike.need BB tool, and hammer and block of wood. As to the steerer:think hard, measure 3 times cut once. Oh yeah, too long is better than too short.

a2psyklnut

I say do it yourself. You'll never learn by taking it in to the shop.

Bicycle mechanics is not overly complicated. The key? GET THE RIGHT TOOLS!

Building a decent tool collection can take years. What I do/did was whenever I bought a new part, I bought the tools to install it.

I just bought a new headset and a Park Headset Setting Tool. Wasn't cheap, but now I'll never have to go to the shop and have that done!

Bottom bracket tools are only like: $15. Crank removers: maybe another $15. The ability and satisfaction of doing it yourself: Priceless!

larue

Parktool.com is a good reference and they make great bicycle tools.

Al.canoe

I was in the same boat. Never had done a head set or a crank spindle/BB. Had many parts from my old bike and I wanted a new cyclocross frame set for general riding and light touring. Actually, it was relatively easy. I already had a lot of tools. Had to buy some, but I like to have a good set on hand.

I had to figure out my own way to set up the crank spindle since I was using an unusual TA crank set which has been out of production for a while. It required a long Phill Wood spindle/bearing set which came with basic installation instructions. The adjustment (spindle length on the ring-side) though is a function of the crank set.
Everything works great. Now I know how to repair/maintain a bike far better than I did before.

Al

Retro Grouch 

The biggest drawback to assembling the bike yourself is that whenever you find yourself without a required tool or some little part or maybe you need a different part to fit properly, you'll experience a delay of a day or more. That's the bad news.

The good news is that it's only September so you have plenty of time to get this bike put together before winter even after factoring in a few such delays. What an ideal opportunity to learn how to do it yourself!

boyze

DIY is the way to go for the reasons given above plus if you do any amount of riding you'll need to adjust and/or replace most everything anyway. As already stated the tools make or break the effort, but you can easily buy the tools for what the initial buildup would cost at the LBS. And then you always have them.

Grampy™

I built up my Bianchi CX last winter..... most fun I could have without riding. I did have the LBS set the head set for me. They were real helpful with assembly tips. It's kinda nice to know that no matter what goes wrong with the bike I can fix it. It really isn't rocket science.......(now where have I heard that? )

GreenFix

In a word, YES.

I built up a bike last year, learned a ton, and enjoyed myself. Definitely worth it.

EagleEye

YES! But have the LBS install your headset. Headset tools are too expensive to do one or two bikes.

royalflash

I built my own bike this year and the cost of the parts all together (from ebay) was about what the bike would cost in a shop. I also bought a few tools like a head set press and some bits and pieces but now I know I can fix anything on any of my bikes without being dependent on my bike shop-and I have the satisfaction of riding a bike that I built myself. I also chose all the components so the bike is custom built to my requirements. If you are interested I would definitely recommend building up your own bike. It is well worth the time and moderate investment in tools.

Don Cook

You've been given some really good advice. I will only remark that I've built a couple of bikes from the frame to the road, and you might consider letting a shop set the bearing cups on your head tube and set the crown race on your fork. It's not that this is a complicated thing but using a block of wood and a mallet (which I've also done) does invite catastrophe. Mine worked out good, but on the second build the shop mechanic set the bearing cups and the race for $10. I also had him install the bottom bracket. But, that was largely due to the frame needing to have the BB threads chased with a die. And I was fresh out of 70mm Italian thread dies. Also, who wants to spend $30-$40 for a good BB tool when a BB doesn't need pulling but maybe once every 10,000-20,000 miles. Anyway, have fun and do it yourself!

enantiodroma

'cuz it makes the ladies weak in the knees to see one on your coffeetable, duh.

i had my last bike built at the LBS for what i thought was convenience at the time, i could've bought a set of tools for what i paid the shop. lesson learned: DIY

CPcyclist

yes I did this with upgrading parts this last year only thing the LBS did was the headset. didn't have the money for the press.

glomarduck

Like the profesional motion picture lab bike shops too have to take fault for stuff ups and my thing is major jobs and build ups I like the shop but for small repairs I do it my self

Balance

I changed my fork today. That race goes on with with one hammer, and one flathead screwdriver. Just be real careful not to hit where the bearings go! Be patient when putting it one, one tap at a time on alternating sides. You will eventually get it. Cutting down your steerer tube isn't hard. Did that today too. You need a hacksaw, a metal file and a hose clamp. You put the hose clamp where you want to cut to guide you, so that it's straight. The file is to finish your work, and of course the saw... A vice really helps here. When you've gotten to the screw part on the clamp loosen and turn it. No problem. You can do all the work yourself.