Had my new steel frame sitting in a garbage bag in an outdoor closet for about a week in the 20ish degree weather. should i let it warm up for a few days inside before installing the bottom bracket, headset, etc. ?

No. Metal transfers heat readily. It will be back to normal temperature within minutes.

Just put your BB/headset on ice for a few minutes and you'll be ready to go, right?

It really depends. For a red anodized HS, let it warm up for a half hour. If it's powdercoated white, install chilled, straight from the garage.

the more pertinent question here is why was your new frame was outside in a garbage bag for a week?

Maybe it needed a few days to cool down after welding/brazing.

It misbehaved.

ghetto cryo-tempering?

Okay, I didn't want to say anything because I sort of know the guy. He lives in a garbage bag in an outdoor closet. So please be respectful. He used to just have the bag.

well, then if his HS and BB were also outside in a garbage bag, everything should be fine

I think he kept the BB nearer to the candle.

[/QUOTE]Okay, I didn't want to say anything because I sort of know the guy. He lives in a garbage bag in an outdoor closet. So please be respectful. He used to just have the bag.[QUOTE]

I dont live in the garbage bag, its my raincoat... and blanket... and pillow.