lbs..happy to build from frame brought in?

ianbar
ianbar Posts: 1,354
edited August 2012 in Road buying advice
i am thinking of making my next bike a titanium so to keep costs down i have been sourcing the best prices. now while i want my lbs to do the build i think i could get the frame and forks a good bit cheaper online, generally would a lbs be willing to build even if i took some things in myself like frame? i know this probably varies from shop to shop but i wondered if there was general rules?
enigma esprit
cannondale caad8 tiagra 2012

Comments

  • smidsy
    smidsy Posts: 5,273
    Oh dear - stand back and get ready for a tirade of abuse about puttng your LBS out of business and being the scum of the earth for daring to buy online and then having the brass neck to expect the LBS to build it. 8)

    My answer however would be get the parts from the cheapest places you can and build it yourself - it really is not that difficult. Of course for those who will respond as indicated above this then means that not only do the sales folk in your LBS miss out but so do the Workshop staff as well...bet you've never though of that have ya!!!! :-)
    Yellow is the new Black.
  • ianbar
    ianbar Posts: 1,354
    i recently had a stab at a build with mixed results, which has put a doubt in my mind about doing this one. i understand i will get abuse, i could be a total git and buy everything and take it in lol but i understand that would result in probably been thrown out! and really isn't fair.i may just test the water soon and mention i would fancy a build next time i go in.
    enigma esprit
    cannondale caad8 tiagra 2012
  • snoopsmydogg
    snoopsmydogg Posts: 1,110
    Building a bike is relatively easy but if you don't feel up to it then there should be no problem with your lbs doing the work for you. It's business/money for them after all.
  • lostboysaint
    lostboysaint Posts: 4,250
    My local bike shop had no problems with it at all, especially as most of the componentry on it had been bought from them over the years. In fact they then voted the finished article in their top ten customer bikes, despite being a brand they don't retail.
    Trail fun - Transition Bandit
    Road - Wilier Izoard Centaur/Cube Agree C62 Disc
    Allround - Cotic Solaris
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    I’ve had two bikes built by two different LBS and they also service and mod them too. They have no problem with it at all – it’s cash in the till. They guy who put my Colnago Master together was buzzing about the chance to do it. A good mechanic will take pride in a bike build no matter where the parts came from.
  • APIII
    APIII Posts: 2,010
    My LBS are fine with it, but oviously it will cost you more. i.e. they don't charge if you buy the frame from them, but expect to pay around £100 if you are sourcing everything elsewhere.
  • Grill
    Grill Posts: 5,610
    I sourced everything independently and brought it in to my LBS to have it built. No complaints, in fact they were more than happy to help. Since then I've dumped a lot of money with them for other components and accessories as I don't mind paying a couple bucks extra for the service I receive.
    English Cycles V3 | Cervelo P5 | Cervelo T4 | Trek Domane Koppenberg
  • neeb
    neeb Posts: 4,473
    Build it yourself, or if you're not confident, find a friend who is (and who has the tools), and bring the frame and bits round to his place at the weekend with a suitable gift (crate of Belgian beer, bottle of single malt..). Be prepared to hang around to make coffee and provide conversation. I'd volunteer myself if I was in the right country...

    As well as being cheaper than getting the LBS to do it, you will learn how it is done and what the pitfalls are so next time you can do it yourself.

    Oh, and make sure there is a good bike shop somewhere nearby that is open late so that you can go on the inevitable errand to get the bits/tools you hadn't thought of (hacksaw blades, electrical tape, cable ferrules, replacements for snapped Ti bolts...)
  • jezzasnr
    jezzasnr Posts: 225
    Wild & crazy idea, but why not go into the shop & ask them.....
    ....like it's golden
  • ianbar
    ianbar Posts: 1,354
    jezzasnr wrote:
    Wild & crazy idea, but why not go into the shop & ask them.....

    because when i did my last build i went to my most local of lbs, to have bb and headset fitted after i emailed them explaining everything and when i was there, lets just say they did the job but were not pleasant....so won't be back again.
    enigma esprit
    cannondale caad8 tiagra 2012
  • jezzasnr
    jezzasnr Posts: 225
    as others have said, i'm sure most local shops would be happy to.
    If you're experience previously isn't good, try another shop.
    I always try to use my local shop 1st, & if they are much more expensive than on line i'll let them know to se if they can get closer.
    ....like it's golden
  • snoopsmydogg
    snoopsmydogg Posts: 1,110
    ianbar wrote:
    jezzasnr wrote:
    Wild & crazy idea, but why not go into the shop & ask them.....

    because when i did my last build i went to my most local of lbs, to have bb and headset fitted after i emailed them explaining everything and when i was there, lets just say they did the job but were not pleasant....so won't be back again.

    If your lbs weren't pleasant then go somewhere else. If you want to save a few £££'s you could always build it yourself and get them to set it up (just ask for a service?)

    If you find a good local lbs they should be willing to help, I dropped into an lbs the other day that I have never used before to buy a tool and got talking to one of the staff. They even offered to give my bike a once over for free after I finish the build so will definately be using them again.
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    edited August 2012
    ianbar wrote:
    i am thinking of making my next bike a titanium so to keep costs down i have been sourcing the best prices. now while i want my lbs to do the build i think i could get the frame and forks a good bit cheaper online, generally would a lbs be willing to build even if i took some things in myself like frame? i know this probably varies from shop to shop but i wondered if there was general rules?

    Absolutely no problem with this.
    The LBS gets the trade on the workmanship et all. And.... since this should be their main business anyways I don't see an issue here.
    It's just like saying that it is bad form to take your Merc to the local Benz garage simply because you bought it from abroad or another town.

    On my previous commuter I took in the Kinesis frame and fork, even sourced the groupset from Merlin cycles.
    Took the lot in to my LBS and they were happy for the business of building the bike up for me.
    In fact they charged me little more than it would cost for a full service.

    When the above bike was stolen by scum, I got a Genesis frameset and too this in for the crown race and headset to be fitted. Frame protection sprayed into the frame (steel frame). I then took the frame back and did the rest of the build myself, only taking the stuff back when it needed bar tape putting on.

    My LBS knew of my intentions from the start and were happy to do the required bits and charge per hour for work done. Quite reasonable it was too.
    Terry's Cycles in Yate, Bristol if anyone around there needs work done.
  • Neale1978
    Neale1978 Posts: 484
    Its got nothing to do with the shop really where you bought it and it should never be an issue.

    If you are paying them to do work then you are paying them to do work and all should be good.

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