Dumb ques tion
 

I bought a LHT and I am looking to have fenders and a rear rack installed at a local shop does anyone have an idea what the installation charges would be? The rear rack is a Surly and the fenders I will purchase from the shop.

Instead of taking the time to type this question here why didn't you just phone the shop and ask?

I had my LBS install a rack for me - they charged $20 for the labor. That said, just call and ask.

I would think that on an LHT fender and rack installation should be pretty quick and straight forward. I'd guess in the $30.00 to $60.00 range for both. It might even run a little less because an LHT has good clearances and mounting points.

Some other bikes - not so much. I've given up trying to estimate how long it will take me to install a fender set. It could take only a few minutes, it could take a few hours.

Both fenders and a rear rack are a very easy DIY project, particularly on an LHT where all of the mounting points are already there. Basically four M5x0.8 bolts for the rack and about the same for the fenders. About all you might need to do is clear the excess paint from the eyelet holes.

A rack is literally a 5 minute job on a LHT. Most fenders won't take much longer. The longest part will probably be adjusting the fender supports. You don't need any tools other than the multi-tool you probably already own.

Being a LHT, I suspect you'd be using the bike for touring, in which case it would be a really good idea to do it yourself so you can deal with the need to tweak things as necessary.

I actually have the bike at my parents house and was hoping they could drop it off to get the items installed I was just hoping to get an estimate of the cost so I could let them know. I actually use the bike to carry fishing stuff and when I have the rack installed I'll also have collapsible baskets installed to put tackle box and rods in.

wow, that is a nice fishing caddy. wish I could do that. I'm getting some collapsible baskets to put on my rack for grocery getting, which ones are you going with? sometimes if you buy from the lbs, they'll give you a deal on install. if you already have the gear and just want it installed so you can hop on when you get there, you'll pay a bit more, but it'll be nice to know it's just there waiting. I think it'll depend on the area. Back in Michigan where I'm from a wheel trueing was about $10-15. Here in Boston, it's $20+, so asking anyone but the shop is going to not be all that helpful.

Same question here.

Also consider that these fenders are usually available at local shops, and it would have made sense to get a price of the fenders installed before buying them and then asking a local shop to install them. Many, maybe most shops feel slighted when folks bring them stuff they've bought elsewhere for installation or service. (I'm not arguing their position, just stating it). This is even more of an issue if they stock the identical goods.

Some can be downright ungracious about it saying something to the effect of "do you bring your own meat to McDonalds?" Others are much more accommodating, but discretely have 2 rates for labor, one for stuff they sell or sold, and one for stuff they didn't. Depending on the ratio of product cost to the labor costs, you can see any savings from a lower product price offset by a labor rate upcharge.

Anyway that's all water under the bridge and the only way to get a meaningful labor estimate is to call a number of local shops, and maybe one a bit farther just for comparison.

Do it yourself . . . or ask your mommy?

If you give me the number to the shop, I'll call them and ask. Might save time for you to call them yourself.

That may sound a little crass but come on. How the heck would any one of thousands of BF users know what your shop charges for labor. I have seen such charges from $0 if you bought the bike from the shop to and hourly charge which varies by location. If you spend hundreds on a bike and accessories, expect to pay a little more to get everything installed and ready to go. If they throw in the labor, say thanks and recommend them to others.

I said it was a dumb question.