Originally Posted by
jccaclimber
If you buy a headset that costs $130 from them they'll probably do the install for at no charge you if you ask. Also, it may look like a $10 pipe with flared ends, and for that cost you can make one with some copper pipe and a hack saw (it works great, I've done it), but it really does cost more than that. Most shops don't loan out tools because of the stupid people in the world that believe things like 15mm cone wrench==pedal wrench.
Do you know what the margin is on a CK headset, even at $130? As a bike shop employee I can assure, it's not much. You can bet your ass we'll charge you to install it. Asking a shop to give you labor
gratis just because you purchased an expensive component is an a-hole thing to do. Labor is the lifeblood of most shops, since it can't be undercut online and is the only thing we can offer as brick-and-mortar establishments that online retailers can't. Adjusting gears or tightening bolts for free is one thing - it's cheap for us (time) and worth the chance of gaining a happy customer who will purchase parts or labor in the future. The amount of labor it takes to install a headset is considerably greater, and that time and money is gone forever unless we are compensated fairly. Don't expect special favors from your shop. If they offer, that's great, and for shops to offer a special deal for purchase + install might make good business sense, but please don't ask. I guarantee that you will not make friends among the mechanics, who will turn you down anyway.