LBS cabling charges, how much?

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I'm looking to get new brake and shifter cables and chain installed on my 'Amsterback' cruiser. I'm just trying to get a 'feel' for what the 'bike shop guys' would charge for this service. I'm providing all the parts - the chain/cables/ends/brake pads/etc...
The job would include:
cable and adjust front and rear cantilever brakes
cable and adjust new GripShift shifter and new Shimano Sora rear derailleur (no front derailleur)
cut new chain to length.

Wadda think?

Cheers!
Dr. T

 

[scrumblero]

:? you would trust the local spoke monkey to work on your masterpiece ?

 

[subadrew]

It depends on their hourly rate. Id say it'd take 30 minutes for a decent mechanic, but they'd likely charge an hour. Maybe $60.

No time like the present to learn how to cable and adjust. It's really quite easy. The hardest part is getting the chain the right length and that's not all that bad on a derailleur bike. We can walk you through it. Or just youtube some videos.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

:? you would trust the local spoke monkey to work on your masterpiece ?

hahaha! My monkey is pretty good, so far... :roll:

It depends on their hourly rate. Id say it'd take 30 minutes for a decent mechanic, but they'd likely charge an hour. Maybe $60.

No time like the present to learn how to cable and adjust. It's really quite easy. The hardest part is getting the chain the right length and that's not all that bad on a derailleur bike. We can walk you through it. Or just youtube some videos.

I know, I just get frustrated and can never get the tension right. On the chain, I've checked out Jerry's video, it pretty easy. But since they'll be pulling the old crankset off and installing the 'new' one (no crank puller, I'm typically a 1 piece guy) I thought they might as well do the chain too.

We'll see... :wink:

 

[CCR]

my lbs treats me right, if they sold the parts he'd probably tack on $5/10 labor :lol:

anywhere else around here (college bike shops) id expect to pay close to $40/50 labor

 

[Walker]

Buy the cables loose and I'll talk you through proper installation. Free.

Learning new skills, Priceless!

 

[Rat Rod]

I was a little intimidated by the cable process at first, but after I jumped in I realized that it's a lot easier than I thought.

I'd definitely give it a try on your own first.

 

[Beau]

2 shift cables- $8
5' of shift housing cut AND ground- $7.50
2 brake cables- $8
4'brake housing- $4
10 cables ferrules- $2.50

Installing all four cables with housing- $40 labor
Adjusting brakes and derailleurs- $24

Where I work I would write it up like this. So it's would be just under $100.

 

[XC204]

Trust your self ! If you can build those fantastic bikes you build you can do the cables and adj. Look on park tools site if not sure.

 

[c.p.odom]

No biggie, try sourcing braided wire from sailing supply shops, turning your own cable ends on a lathe and soldering them together.

 

[scrumblero]

No biggie, try sourcing braided wire from sailing supply shops, turning your own cable ends on a lathe and soldering them together.

your a genius!! I have been having a heck of a time finding the shift cables for the old 3 speeds, you gotta just make em.... DUH!! :roll:

 

[c.p.odom]

You will need a high power soldering gun and liquid stainless steel flux. It is all about enough heat and the right flux.

 

[c.p.odom]

Making custom cables for my British motorcycles was standard practice.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

OK, OK, I'll try it myself...
I'll let you know if I get hung up.

Cheers!
Dr. T

 

[Bicyclerick]

If your supplying all the parts it would run you $60 labor to install and adjust everything.

 

[Long&Black]

My local guys will just hook me up any time I go in.

I can take a bike that I didn't buy from there and they'll stop what they're working on to work on my stuff.


...and they refuse payment.

Of course I've spent $1,300 on my wife's road bike, $700 on her mountain bike, $200 on my son's bike, and bought tons of parts and clothes from them.

Last trip in I took the Iron Horse in. Needed the bottom bracket shell chased and faced. They did it and then installed the bottom bracket, installed the front derailleur, then set up the front and rear derailleurs. Didn't charge me a dime and wouldn't accept a tip. Then, when I got the XO triggers, I took it back and they set it up again. It's something I could do but I like going in and BS'n with the guys.

One of the guys wants me to paint his bike when the weather gets better. Told him buy the materials and I'd do it for free. It works out.

 

[Spincycle]

I'm not sure what it would cost but here's the way I break it down. How many hours of overtime would I have to work to pay for the job? Can I do it in less time than would be required to work to pay for someone else to do it? If I do it myself than I can justify buying the tools I need cause I saved the money by not paying someone else! Generaly I value my time more than my money unless I can get something out of it like tools and experience.

 

[deorman]

If setting initial tension is your headache, try using a "third hand". http://rinienterprises.com/categoryDeta ... cat_subs=0

 

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

Dude Rob, I wouldn't take it to boneshaker just yet. If you think you can do it yourself, try it first. It would cost me about $30 to get the spokes and nipples I need ordered from them and it would cost me $40 just to get it rebuilt and Another $10 to true it. I'm building it myself and if it just turns into a complete mess then I will take it to them. :roll: