Do you know if REI assembles bikes for you? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.
While it’s true that you can buy some bikes straight off a rack already assembled, that’s not true of all bikes. Some bikes must be built before you can ride them. You can order bikes from REI that require assembly.
REI assembles bikes for free if you purchase from them. They have a fully equipped bike shop where you’ll get assembly free with your purchase and tune-ups or repairs throughout the life of your bike. They also assemble other kinds of bikes but for a fee.
This article has all you need to know about having a bike assembled by REI. Read on for information about the process and what’s offered.
What Is Bike Assembly?
Some bikes are purchased in pieces. You order the bike or purchase it from a store and it has not been built.
You can assemble a bike yourself, but it’s not easy. It takes time and the right equipment, plus a little know-how. Most people prefer to have their bikes assembled for them by a professional.
Your choice to assemble a bike yourself may be based on how much assembly is needed. Not all bikes are completely destructed. You could order a bike that’s partially assembled and only needs a few steps to finish it.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is the safety of the bike. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could be endangering yourself or the rider you’re building the bike for.
Seek professional help if there is any concern about correct assembly.
REI Bike Assembly Policy
REI assembles all kinds of bikes. They have well-trained staff to work in their bike shop that assembles bikes for a living.
REI assembles all bikes purchased from the company for free. It doesn’t matter what brand the bike is or how much it cost, it qualifies for free assembly because it was purchased at REI.
Should you need a bike assembled that you bought somewhere else, REI will do that for you, too. However, this service is provided for a nominal fee.
Read also >> REI Bike Return Policy (What’s Covered + More)
Read also >> Does REI Rent Bikes? (All You Need To Know)
How Long Does Bike Assembly Take?
The answer to this question varies. It depends on the store, how busy things are, and what type of bike is being assembled.
REI tries to assemble bikes within a day, however, sometimes that’s not possible. It could take from a couple of hours to a number of days.
REI co-op members are prioritized over others, also. It’s a benefit to their membership.
Read also >> How Long Does It Take To Assemble A Bike? (Do This Before…)
Can I Assemble My Own Bike?
If you are confident in your ability to follow instructions and work with tools, you could certainly assemble your own bike.
All bikes sold by REI that require assembly come with detailed instructions on how to put them together. If you’re skilled and have the time, you can assemble the bike.
Some bikes come partially assembled. Those are easy to finish building. You can simply follow the instructions for the last few steps and have the bike assembled in no time. It’s not worth having a shop employee assemble those for you.
Other bikes come in many pieces. Virtually none of the bikes is pre-assembled. These can take a lot of effort and require some knowledge of the mechanical aspects of the bike.
You’ll also need to know how to use tools correctly and have an acute sense of attention to detail.
How Much Does It Cost to Assemble a Bike?
The cost to assemble a bike usually depends on the type of bike it is and what kind of components it has. For instance, a bike with an electric shift cost more than one with a manual shift.
A basic bike assembly costs about $60. Specialized bikes with more parts and complicated components could cost upwards of $85.
As we mentioned above, though, bikes purchased from REI are assembled for free by the company.
What Services Does the REI Bike Shop Provide?
REI bike shops provide services beyond just bike assembly. You can also get wheel and tire services.
You can take advantage of free adjustments of your bike purchased at REI for a period of one year after purchase.
The bike shop performs bike tune-ups, as well as, shifting and brake servicing.
One additional service that’s quite useful is car rack installation. You can purchase bike racks for your car and have the REI bike shop install them for you.
It saves you time and a lot of fuss.
Member Discount
Members of the co-op get a discount on charged services offered by the REI bike shop. You’ll get 20% off all services.
The discount is taken off the labor involved in the servicing, not any parts needed to repair your bike.
Members also get free flat tire repair, though. Most services are completed quickly same day.
Do All REI Locations Provide the Same Services?
Not all REI stores provide the same bike shop services. It’s important that you check out what they do offer before showing up with your bike for repair.
It’s easy to find out what services are offered at your local REI bike shop. You can go to the REI website and navigate to the Bike Shop Services page. Once there, scroll down toward the bottom of the page.
There is a text box where you can enter your ZIP code or a city and state. This will result in a list of your nearest store locations, along with what services are provided, how much services cost, and what the bike shop hours are in that store.
Conclusion
REI does provide bike assembly. All bikes purchased from REI include free assembly at any REI location.
REI also assembles bikes bought elsewhere, however; you’ll need to pay for that. If you feel you are skilled and capable of assembling your bike at home, you can do that, but have an REI certified bike technician look at your work once you’ve completed it.
REI bike shop employees are highly skilled and well trained to make sure your bike is assembled correctly, so you can ride safely.
