Bicycle Mechanics - Finding a replacement Rear Wheel

The rear wheel of my Gary Fisher Nirvana ('99) was snatched over the weekend. I'd prefer to replace it with a used wheel or somehow keep the replacement cost down as much as possible. There's a Trek 830 selling for $50 in my neighborhood. Could I buy it and swap the rear wheel into my bike? Is my bike shop's $120 replacement cost (for a new wheel/tire/etc.) reasonable? I do all the maintenance on my bike but am not a builder. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ana.

You should measure the distance in mm between your bike's rear dropouts. assuming the bike you're buying is the same, you should have no problems. You could aslo measure the hub you are replacing and compare with the wheel on the bike u r buying.

You should also get the same rear casette set up (ie, replace a 7-speed rear with a nother 7; a 6 or an 8 may not fit or at best would need a derailleur adjustment.) Your best bet is to replace the wheel with as close a match as possible.

Have u looked for just the wheel? I just sold a set of mtb wheels with nice tires and an extra tire and tubes on craigs for $25. I would think u could find the wheel if u look long enough....might take some time tho.

That's a great price for the trek though, assuming there's no damage (are your sure it's not stolen?)

$120 is steep for a wheel for an old bike imo (I'd rather dumpster dive) but that's a fair price from the shop assuming it's new, QR hub and a decent alloy rim. They can only sell that stuff for so little. I know the typical single speed rear wheel for a beach cruiser with coaster brake or a plain front mtb wheel used to go for $50ish apiece back in the mid-90s when I bought some for a hack bike I had. That's without tires, alloy rims. So $120ish with rubber, installed, is not so bad.

The trek sounds like a better deal if you store it for parts or can resell it sans wheel. Just make sure its wheel will work for you first!

$120 is steep. Is it a 7 speed or a newer 8/9 speed?

$120 is steep. Is it a 7 speed or a newer 8/9 speed?

Yeah, and does that $120 cover cost of cassette/new chain?