Originally Posted by SoreFeet
My plan is to transfer a like new ultegra 8spd groupo to an old Schwinn steel bike. I believe I might have to have the rear spread. This I will not attempt to do. I would like to try installing brakes, fork, headset, bottom bracket, cranks and chainrings. The only thing I want to have done is the cables/derailers installed and setup. I think doing this could save money. What should I expect to spend on tools? I have most the allen wrenches. It might be easier to have a bike shop do it...It might cost less. I really hate paying for labor that only takes a few hours. I am estimating a tool budget of 150$ for what I want to spend. Is there anybody in the bay area CA that does good work and wont nickel and dime. I'm fine paying for labor so long as it is honestly priced by the hour. I think 25$ to change a bottom bracket is high considering I can buy the parts...How complicated can it be?
You want to install the headset, bottom bracket, brakes, cranks, etc. yourself but pay someone to install the cables and derailleurs? The cables and derailleurs require no special tools (just some metric allen wrenches and a screwdriver) and will most likely be the easiest parts to install. Does the old Schwinn have old components still on? Sometimes those bottom brackets can be stubborn. The rest of the parts are easy to remove.
I recommend getting the tools you need to install the Ultegra components, getting a decent repair manual or look at Park Tool's website and doing it all yourself. If you screw up along the way, post another question and try again. If you really screw up, like stripping threads in the bottom bracket shell, then take the bike to a shop. Good luck.