Originally Posted by
wxduff
What do I do about a broken spoke. I'm still not very mechanically incline with my bike, but I've been using it for commuting and don't want to stop. It might be a while before I can get to the LBS because their hours and my work hours almost completely overlap, I might be able to get over there a half an hour before work, if that.
First: Can I ride down a spoke? The wheel doesn't appear to have un-trued enough to cause the wheel to rub on the brakes.
Usually, yes. As long as the rim or tire isn't rubbing, you should be OK. It's better to loosen the spoke on the opposite side (near the broken spoke but attached to the other side of the hub) so it runs straighter. This will cause a hop in the rim, but it should still be rideable.
Originally Posted by
wxduff
Also, should my lbs have spare spokes, and is this an easy DIY thing?
I just don't want to pay an arm and a leg for them to do it all.
Your bike shop should have spare spokes, and the tools you need to accomplish the job. It's DIY-able, but how "easy" it is depends on your mechanical skill. Replacing the spoke is straightforward, but re-truing the wheel is a skill that takes practice. Some people pick it up fine, some people never do.