My dilemma,
My rear wheel (hub shimano 600 6 speed with mavic G40 rims) needs to have the rim replaced.
Bike is a Cilo 1985 . Plane on riding it for the next two seasons (4000 miles) and get a new bike then.
Does it make sense to spend ~ $300.00 on a new wheel set, have the rear wheel rebuilt~$150.00
or find a used wheel on e-bay and use the money towards a $700-800 new bike for the next couple of years.
Thanks

Me: I'd look ebay or WTB here first, but matching 600/G40 (for bike resale later). Or find a used wheelset you like and sell your orphan front wheel/parts. Rebuild w/G40 next. I wouldn't buy a new wheelset.

If you can find a replacement rim, swapping the new with the old is not a difficult prospect to do on your own. The spokes can be re-used and you can get it together with a spoke wrench and a screwdriver. Even if you don't trust yourself to do the final tensioning and truing, handing over a mostly-built wheel to the LBS will be cheaper than $150.

maybe get the rim and spokes cheaper online, and then have someone build it for you? You may be able to knock off some of the totally rebuild cost. I did that with one of my bikes and got the rim and spokes at about 25% of what I would have had to pay at my LBS. I like to support my local bike shop but in that case I needed my bike fixed and didn't have the kind of money it would have cost to get it done.

If you look around your area you may have a used/new bike shop, they are almost always a great way to pick up a cheap single wheel.

I agree with the suggestions you're already getting...either buy a used wheel with a WTB ad on craigslist (I've had excellent luck with those) or buy a rim on line, re-use the spokes...get them on there and pay $25 for trueing rather than $50 for rebuilding.

1. Buy new rim ensuring it is one for one equal to the current one (first spoke offset left or right, inside diameter equal).

2. Tape new rim to old rim aligning the stem hole.

3.Loosen spokes all around but do not remove them.

4. Move spokes one at a time to the new rim, near side to near side, then far side to far side. Nipples should be loose.

5. Untape old rim from new rim.

6. True and tension as required, radially and laterally.

7. Go for a ride.

8. YMMV.

Used similar rim, lace it yourself as above, have it trued, probably $40-$60 (around here, anyway)
Used similar wheel, just use it, $50-$75
New rim, $75-$100 by the time it's done
Used set, keep the old front for a spare, you should pay $80-$120 max

In 126 and 6-sp, plenty of bargains, and you can use Campy or Shimano.

Thanks for the suggestions.
Dropped of the bike at the LBS today.
Having the wheel rebuilt and also a general bike overhaul done.
I am fortunate in today's time to have customers support my small business.
Sure the LBS can use the work too!!!!

Thanks again