Originally Posted by koine2002
You can go to the bike shop and ask them for a replacement level wheel set. The stuff most shops have on display are of a much higher level (lighterweight, dual walled, aero spokes, maybe some needless bells and whistles). Depending on the shop and thier supplier, you can get them for anywhere from $20-40 each wheel. A steel set will even be cheaper. I just bought an alloy replacement rear wheel for my Bridgestone for $22 from my LBS.
definitely don't recommend new steel wheels, they're not like the raleigh or schwinn rims of old. they come built not true and you can't true them; the rims are extruded so horribly the waves are inherent. the rim material is so skimpy that they will noticibly expand when you inflate the tires. unless this is bike is above par of most free spirits or has sentimental value, you're probably better off fixing the dent, either by you or a shop. there's a good chance you have a flat spot in the rim at the dent, which may or may not be fixable.