Originally Posted by
Burton
Personally I really don't follow the logistics of doing something like this yourself. In Canada the charge for having a shop do the BB installation is all of $7 when the part is bought at the shop. For someone who has to ask advice on how to do this it should be a good bet to assume they don't have the specialized tools required to do the job. Tools normally used would be whatever BB tools are needed to remove the original plus whatever BB tools are needed to install the new one. Which may be different. And the new one needs to be torqued to boot? Personally can't see how this could possibly be a DIY situation that would save money, even assuming your time is worth so little it doesn't natter how long it takes to do the job.
The most I can see anyone 'saving' doing a BB and derailleur installation themselves themselves is $20 assuming the shop has to check the hanger alignment and adjust the rear gears. On the other hand what it might cost in tools could easily exceed that - excluding a torque wrench.
Your logic could be applied to any DIY repairs on any device. However, tools are a one-time expense and while they may be expensive for the first job, they are free after that. We have to assume the OP will work on this bike again in the future and on any other bikes he may own thereafter. Having the knowledge and tools already on hand can be a big time and money saver then.
Taking the bike to an LBS is not as "efficient" as you make it sound. Yes, their installation cost is reasonable but their parts cost is usually much higher than mailorder. Finally, the time needed to take the bike to the shop and, most likely, make another trip to pick it up when the work is complete can far exceed the time to do the work yourself, not to even mention gas and car expenses for the trip(s).