Bicycle Mechanics - Is it that hard to replace spokes on a Ksyrium SSC?

Need to replace the drive side spokes (or a tleast several of them) on my older model Ksyrium SSC. Reputable LBS is telling me it's iffy whether their work will be bulletproof, that they have had people come back with broken spokes after this type of work, that's it's tough to get the tension right due to the spoke type, etc.

They told me best best is to spend $180 and send the wheel back to Mavic and have them do a complete rebuild.

Is this the general thinking? Spending $180 is not an attractive option. Though the wheel is probably worth a bit north of that, I really didn't want to shell out that kind of dough.

Mavic Service Centers have the tools, parts, and experience to fix your wheels best, but who is asking for $180? Your LBS? That's an incredibly high price to replace some spokes - even if they are the unique Zircal ones. I suspect they might be padding the bill - and all they're doing is shipping the wheels for you. I'd try another dealer, or contact Mavic directly.

Mavic Service Centers have the tools, parts, and experience to fix your wheels best, but who is asking for $180? Your LBS? That's an incredibly high price to replace some spokes - even if they are the unique Zircal ones. I suspect they might be padding the bill - and all they're doing is shipping the wheels for you. I'd try another dealer, or contact Mavic directly.

Funny thing, (1) yes it was my LBS that asked for $180, and (2) tried another LBS--they want $250.
Tried contacting Mavic directly and they said they would only accept the wheels through a dealer. Sucks.

I'm thinkiing this is the last time I buy a set of Mavic wheels--service is a PITA--though in fairness (to me) these were cannibalized from a used Jamis I bought a while back.

I have seen my wheel guy actually do this job. It looks easier than a standard spoke replacement. I watched him replace all of the spokes on the drive side after the customer managed to drop the chain in between the cassette and the wheel (thus damaging all spokes), he did the whole thing in 20 minutes and then checked tension and trued.

180 seems like a ton. My wheel guy wants 160 to replace rim, spokes and nipples (with proper tension and true) for my open pro wheel that I hit a pot hole and dented (it was a serious impact).

I have seen my wheel guy actually do this job. It looks easier than a standard spoke replacement. I watched him replace all of the spokes on the drive side after the customer managed to drop the chain in between the cassette and the wheel (thus damaging all spokes), he did the whole thing in 20 minutes and then checked tension and trued.

180 seems like a ton. My wheel guy wants 160 to replace rim, spokes and nipples (with proper tension and true) for my open pro wheel that I hit a pot hole and dented (it was a serious impact).

Good to know, thanks.

I've spoken with a couple other LBS's and they aren't nearly as pessimistic as the original one about replacing the spokes themselves. Hopefully it's not just a matter of them making the money instead of Mavic. One guy at a pretty reputable shop made it sound like he does it pretty regularly.