Originally Posted by
badmother
Not sure I am the person to reply to this but on your last question about getting the $60 wheel and taking it to the LBS I would first ask the LBS what they would charge. You may end up with an "almost good" solution at the same price as the expensive wheel..
The LBS can not get the parts needed for your wheel, but is it possible for you to find it yourself on the net? Can you find a almost new wheel from somebody who want to upgrade or go IGH?
Sounds like now is the time to learn wheelbuilding, at least if there is some life left in your rim and spokes you can (after you find a solution) rebuild your old wheel and keep it as a spare.
The solution depends on how fast you need the bike to be back on the road.
I'm learning a lot about working on my bike - and am getting a bike stand for Xmas (weird request, I know) but wheels are something I am not quite ready to tackle. I replaced an axle on my son's mountain bike but that's the extent of my wheel knowledge. Will have to see if our community shop has any kind of wheel building classes; I'd like to learn but need some hand-holding.