Originally Posted by
pepperbelly
I was quoted $250 for a new build with a good tough rim and Shimano hub. Is that a decent price?
Gulp.
Long story. Back when I had one bike, the rear rim cracked the week before vacation. I went to my LBS, which sold me a cheap, machine-built wheel set (front and rear) for $100. Rode happily through the vacation, and about a week later, a spoke broke. I replaced the spoke, went around the wheel and tensioned, trued, and stress-relieved it, after which it rode fine for several more years.
Short conclusion: can you get a machine built wheel and have your builder finish it (tension, stress-relieve, true)? You can often get a pre-built wheel for less than the price of the parts.