DIY or mechanic??

[Pgs2512]

I have bought a new groupset (Shimano Tiarga) and want to put it on my bike. The most mechanical experience I have previous to this is indexing and fitting mudguards, so my question is: Should I buy a tool set and do it myself using books/internet/resources or just pay the LBS to do it for me?

I quite like tinkering and finding out how things work, but I don't want to risk doing a naff job. How difficult is it to do and should I just pay someone who knows to do it?

 

[Milkfloat]

I would recommend doing it yourself. There is nothing really scary in a groupset switch over and it is a great way to learn how the basics.

 

[lutonloony]

I have bought a new groupset (Shimano Tiarga) and want to put it on my bike. The most mechanical experience I have previous to this is indexing and fitting mudguards, so my question is: Should I buy a tool set and do it myself using books/internet/resources or just pay the LBS to do it for me?

I quite like tinkering and finding out how things work, but I don't want to risk doing a naff job. How difficult is it to do and should I just pay someone who knows to do it?

indexing mudguards sounds tricky

 

[Pgs2512]

indexing mudguards sounds tricky

I meant derailleurs, but my mudguards do run much smoother now that I've indexed them.

As far as doing it myself is concerned, what would I need to do it? I have a maintenance stand and a set of allen keys, would one of those £50 bike toolkits have everything I would need?

 

[Racing roadkill]

I'd say do it yourself, but be extra careful with the rear mech set up, or you could have the shortest test ride evvvver.

 

[lutonloony]

I meant derailleurs, but my mudguards do run much smoother now that I've indexed them.

As far as doing it myself is concerned, what would I need to do it? I have a maintenance stand and a set of allen keys, would one of those £50 bike toolkits have everything I would need?

I appear to have totally messed up my mudguard indexing as I cracked the front one this morning!!

As @Milkfloat said, nothing too scary, and plenty of "utube" help out there. Not sure if toolkit would have all you need, but people that know stuff will surely be answering soon

 

[Adam4868]

Depending on frame material you might want a torque wrench ?(if carbon).If not I've done similar swapped a Groupset and built a bike up with basic Lidl toolkit.Theres not much else you'll need,maybe some decent cable cutters.

 

[Rooster1]

Easy job, go for it.

 

[Racing roadkill]

It's easy enough. Don't confuse gear cables with brake cables, and get a torque wrench, and a hammer, never underestimate how useful a hammer can be.

 

[Ian H]

None of my bikes ever go near bike mechanics. They've got me round many long rides with few mechanical problems.

A good cycle maintenance book might be worth investing in.

 

[derrick]

All you need to know is on you tube.

 

[cyberknight]

As long as you have a decent cable cutter you will be fine .

 

[XiShT]

+1 for YouTube and a bike maintenance book for DIY - although YouTube is arguably cheaper/more accessible as you often get video tutorials.

Most of the parts should be able to be put on with just the usual Allen keys and screw drivers, with the exceptions being the crankset and BB so you may want to get tools for those - but I've seen that they can cost a bit. A good pair of cable cutters will do wonders as well, together with a cable tensioning tool (or a pair of needlenose pliers). Hope this goes well!

 

[kingrollo]

Another vote for DIY - If you have the time to learn.
Last couple of times I've took mine to shop - it had to go back - best to learn yourself...

 

[arch684]

Check out r j the bike guy on youtube.He has videos to everything you need to know