johnyguy

Hey guys

I ordered a new bike my first bike actually and I'm thinking to bring the box home and put it together myself and not to let the LBS do it
I mean I'm very handy and have all the tools so I think it would be fun any of you have done it or you just prefer the LBS do the work for you?

I know you say the LSB should adjust the bike to me but maybe I can do that my self as well.

bbattle

If you want to do it, go for it.

I've always had the LBS set the bike up and make sure everything's shipshape before I pick it up. If there was a problem with the bike or something happened during shipping, they'd catch it.

Besides, that service has already been paid for so I let them handle it.

johnyguy

Thanks makes sense.

bt

let lbs do it to stop potential finger pointing if an issue occurs.

deacon mark

Be your own mechanic and do it yourself. In the end you will be way better off and learn in the process. As someone said that it is a bike not the space shuttle.

halfspeed

Good advice. Warranty coverage may be affected if you don't have the LBS set it up.

Sy Reene

Will the LBS give you a couple hundred $$ back if you build it yourself?

halfspeed

Doubtful. Giving you a discount so that you can bug them with various nagging problems because of your amateurish assembly isn't very sensible.

JonathanGennick 

You might find the shop won't even give you the option. I believe many brands require their dealers to do the assembly. Think about it. Just imagine the warranty nightmare if that weren't the case. So I'd be surprised if the dealer was willing to just hand you the box and send you on your way.

I did just put a bike together from the box though. Pretty much everything on the bike needed adjustment. I had to adjust front and rear derailleurs, center the disk brake calipers, and true one of the rotors. The work is not difficult. It just requires patience and a bit of skill.

bobbyl1966

i say do you self you be handy and you have the tools.

johnyguy

I think I'm going to let them put it together. Thanks everyone

rms13

Did you buy it from lbs or are we talking a bikes direct bike or something?

bt

do you mind if we continue to argue about it?

johnyguy

No go ahead

StanSeven

I doubt an owner or manager gives a discount to skip a build so employees can just sit around.

GlennR

Is it a carbon frame? Do you have all the torque specs?

Is the crank and derailures mounted?

Does it have internal cables?

Do you have the specs from a professional fit?

For my latest bike I worked with the mechanic and we built it together. It is a trek Emonda Project One and its a much nicer and neater build than those done by Trek.

johnyguy

LBS ordered it for me

johnyguy

It's a cannondale synapse 105 disc

CliffordK

If you bought it at the LBS, then let the LBS do the assembly (assuming it is included in the cost). Perhaps ask if you can assist/watch as oldnslow2 suggested.

If you bought it online (BikesDirect or similar), then just take it home and put it together.

GlennR

I can tell you that I also recently purchased a Trek Dual Sport with disc brakes. It came assembled from Trek and I had problems with the front rotor rubbing. The salesman used a tool and bent the rotor slightly and it seemed to be better. But when i got it home I was not satisfied with it, so I called the mechanic who built my Emonda and had him look at it. He kept it and found the mounting boss for the caliper was not square with the rotor, so he used a special tool to "mill" the boss square and remounted the caliper. Now he also had to replace the rotor the salesman "treaked" trying to fix it.

I do 99% of all my own maint on my bikes, I also build vintage VW engines and restore VWs has a hobby, so I know my way around. But this was something best left to a professional.. .and not a salesman or a rookie.

It's your bike, you spent a good amount of cash, so if you trust the mechanic... let him do it and ask if you can be there.

I have 3100 miles on my Emonda and i've yet to have to touch the brake or derailleur adjustments. It rides like new and i'm glad Mark built it. BTW... i learned a few tips working with him.

He copied the fit from my previous bike, so the new bike fit perfectly and i've not needed to make and changes

rms13

Then I agree you paid to have it assembled. I've built several bikes at this point but if I bought one from an lbs (which I doubt I ever would again) I would have them assmble it for warranty reasons if nothing else

bobbyl1966

where do you buy that bike. How much is cost you.

svgeek

^^^^^^^ This

It's one thing to have the tools. It's another thing to know what to do and how to do it and then doing it right.

I just got a Scott Solace (see other thread about my weight whining) that was "professionally" assembled (aka LBS).

The bike has a full carbon steerer. Guess what: the expander plug was not fully tightened. I could finger untighten it. That's a "break your face" mistake.

Conclusion: if you really know what you are doing, go for it. You'll do a better job that any LBS because that's your face on the line.

merlinextraligh

Not really. You only need the expander plug to preload the headset. Once the headset is tightened, the stem bolts, not the top cap hold it in place.

True weight weenies even remove the expander bolt after tightening the headset. A loose expander plug will not cause a catastrophic problem.

See: https://fairwheelbikes.com/tune-verh...ap-p-1916.html

StanSeven

A good mechanic usually does nothing but repair and build work all day, all week, for many years. They have seen everything and know exactly what needs done. They also take care in thier work and don't let incomplete or sloppy work go out the door. They are someone you learn to trust. I know I do over my own work even though I've pretty competent mechanically having built auto race engines in my younger days.

By the way your example above is wrong. The stem holds headsets in place and a loose expander plug essentially doesn't do anything as far as safety.