I want to build up my second FG/SS bike but don't have any of my tools where I'm living in Manhattan.

What would be a ballpark cost to have a shop assemble the parts I've collected (mostly 80's vintage)? Headset is installed but needs grease, install bottom bracket/cranks, bars, tape and front brake? Wheels are already built up with tires on them.

I just want to find someplace that is fair, but haven't had to use a shop in many years so not sure what the going rate is.

most likely Close to the cost of buying Tools, and when your done you have tools

With a few tools and the internet, anything is possible!.

definitely buy the tools and do it yourself. You might not even need it for building a fixed but if you have trouble the Big Blue Book, by park tools would help.

the only thing you might need a special tool for is probably the bottom bracket.

Yeah, good point. I can probably borrow/buy everything I need except for the tool to install the Campy bottom bracket. The hardest part will probaly be collecting the odds and ends, washers, bolts, etc. that I'm sure to be missing with my pieced together collection of Ebay parts.

So what will I need other than the correct size wrenches and allen keys?

- bottom bracket tool
- chain tool
- torque wrench (is this necessary to properly set the crank arms?)
- wire cutter (for brake cable right?)
- bearing grease

Anything else I'm missing?

Does the rear wheel already have your cog(s) on it? If not: a chainwhip (or google "rotafix") and a lockring wrench

Oh yeah, thanks. It does have a cog, but I may have to play around with gear ratios. Looks like a chainwhip will also be needed.

or you could go to a community workshop and use their tools. like Time's Up.

Definitely build it yourself. If something goes wrong, you'll know how to fix it. Sure there is a lot of great shops with experienced mechanics out there, but no one will take as much pride building your bike than you. Nashbar sells some good starter tool kits that are pretty inexpensive, or the times up workshop is a safe bet too.

Cool, thanks for the heads up on Time's Up. I had no idea that existed. Any recommendation on whether Brooklyn or Manhattan is less crowded? Is there usually some room to work? I am definitely going to try that route first.

both Brooklyn and Manhattan are good. The Manhattan one might be a little less busy, because the shop is open on a thursday, but i've been to both many times and there has always been enough room.

I would say buy the tools. Its not that much, and you can always do things yourself from now on. Grease and wirecutters are cheapest, and the rest isn't even all that much.

I had most of the tools to re assemble my vintage frame with my new stuff, and Im about to purchase some other tools off ebay so I have them for myself. Take the path to Hoboken, buy a 6 pack and we'll put that thing together and cruise.

i also suggest going to TimesUp. as usherenko said, both the manhattan and brooklyn spaces are good. everyone there is cool and willing to help you out if you need.

when i built my first bike in nyc, i had run out of money and definitely could not afford to buy any expensive tools. i went to times up to install the bottom bracket and the headset (i know the manhattan space has a very nice headset press), and then built the rest of the bike at my apartment - all you'll really need is a set of allen keys and a 15mm wrench for the axle nuts (this also works for pedals in a pinch, and if you don't have a 15mm wrench, pick up a nice Craftsman for <$10 at Sears or KMart). i also bought the Spin Doctor truing stand (from performance i believe), which was a good investment and is necessary if you want to build up your wheels at home.

the last step for me was installing the cog, lockring, & chain, and i didn't have those tools at the time. i brought the bike to continuum cycles (ave b b/t 12th&13th) and they did that for $10 or so.

it's great to own a set of tools but TimesUp and your LBS are perfect in a pinch. don't buy cheap tools - but good tools once, when you have the money.