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on 7/12/15OK-- I just got a bike-in-the-box from PERFORMANCE BIKE (on-line). I haven't opened the box yet but, supposedly, assembly only requires mounting the front tire, handle bars, and peddles. The bike shop here charges $65 per hours and says they can do it in half an hour. However there are excellent HOW-TO videos on YOUTUBE that walk you through the process step-by-step and show the tools needed which are minimal.
GOOD-LUCK!
The bikes shipped from Bikes Direct come almost fully assembled. Don't assume that you can't finish the job! I bought 2 bikes from them & didn't have to adjust the brakes or shifters on either one. Try to do it yourself first, & bring it to your local shop only if you get stuck. The best way to learn is by doing
Bike stores around here have a pre-set price for building box bikes. Call your favorite shop and ask. The best bike shops view the build as an opportunity to earn a customer. If your local shop has a different view, find another bike shop.
My local bike shop charges $300, but the local labor rate here is $120/hr.
To be fair, I have built numerous bikes myself, and I don't think it is difficult. It takes me about an hour to get the whole thing straight. I haven't paid anyone else to build my bikes, and I have ridden thousands of miles each with no issues.
It's usually a per hour charge. The local shop near me charges 60 an hour. The assembly maybe an hour. Then they will want to fine tune it. They charge 45 locally here in Florida. These prices may vary wildly but that might give you an idea. My fatbike was 95% complete very easy to finish and the adjustments were very close. Hope that helps