Mountain Biking - New rear wheel?

Since my bike's rear wheel has a small crack on one of the spoke mounts (rim side), and it can't be trued, what are my options to replace it? It's got a Mavic X 138 wheel on right now w/ STX 8-speed hub.

I saw a similar Mavic wheel yesterday at Performance Bike w/ an XT 8/9-speed hub for $100 USD. Should I get that, or should I just get a new rim?

What other options do I have?

You can certainly get a new rim and rebuild your wheel. If you have to pay a shop to build your wheel and repack your hub it may not be cost effective.

The last time I faced this problem it was $30 labor and spokes plus 59 for the mavic rim, so I just went ahead and bought a new set if wheels for $150.

I haven't regretted the purchase.

If you can build the wheel yourself it's a whole nother story.

MTCW

Here's a great deal:

$75 SHIMANO LX WHEELSET ON CR-18
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.asp?number=50249

LX Hubs are solid and reliable (and better than what you currently have). The CR18 rim is also solid (triple box constuction) and not a pig. For a cheap price you get a set of wheels and have the front for a back up down the road.

Mavic X138's aren't worth keeping around IMHO Try this (http://pricepoint.com/product20.html) for $95 or this (http://pricepoint.com/product401.html) for $119 these are WHEELSETS for the price you were about to drop on a wheel. I run Rhynolites on XT disc hubs on my Rockhopper FSR and I'm a Rhino class rider - No Complaints

y0! thanks for all the info, I knew it'd be a good idea to ask b4 popping for the wheel! Anyway, what's the difference between the LX and the XT hubs, except for the $25 more for the XT? I have an XT front hub, on the same rim as the rear, Mavic X138.

XT is lighter and supposedly higher quality. Better bearings, design, etc. But LX is good stuff, as well.

I used to have a Trek 7000 and thought it was a great bike. But wanted full suspension and traded for a Fuel 90. Was the biggest biking mistake I've ever made. Am now back on a HT and it is where I belong.

HT is http://216.40.249.192/s/contrib/blackeye/coolkid02.gif

Originally posted by Chi
Anyway, what's the difference between the LX and the XT hubs, except for the $25 more for the XT?
16 grams. That's it. Check the Shimano website specs, all other items of note are the same. LX will perform fine for you and last for years.

Thanks guys for the info. Seems like something I'm gonna have to save up for. But $100 for two wheels w/ LX hubs isn't bad....