Just bought a used rear wheel – hope hub and DT Swiss rim though it had a few snapped spokes which meant it was quick buckled. Took it to a shop where they replaced them and trued up the wheel so it was bang-on straight. Been out tonight on it’s first ride and 2 have snapped which wasn’t totally unexpected TBH – inevitably others will follow suit – having said that it’s £18 down the drain.
How much should I expect to pay for a start-again build with decent spokes?
Oh, and does anyone know of a good wheel builder in the East Midlands?

Expect around £30 for DT Comp spokes, and another £30 for labour. Or strip it yourself to save time and money, and maybe even learn to build your own with help from the internet, it’s a very useful skill to possess.

If you’re anywhere near Farnborough, Hants, give me a shout. My wheels are well tested by several people now. Email in profile. 🙂

Here; Nine quid
(It’s not hard (assuming you have “normal” hubs & rim I guess). Go for it if you have the time)

DT spokes are bloody pricey .Sapim are just as good and much cheaper .Spa Cycles stock them

Must say I’m tempted to try myself – good skill to have and save loads of dough worth no trips to the LBS.
That book looks very useful – anyone else built their own wheels before??

Since you snapped spokes after a truing Id say there is a good chance your rim is pringled. Those spokes were probably super tight to bring the rim back true.

If you are going to do it – do it yourself. Just follow Sheldon Browns simple instructions on the web!

Whereabouts in the East Midlands are you? Im a fairly handy wheel builder and I’m in Loughborough.

Off Forest Rd near Holywell school…where are you?
Can you build me a bombproof rear wheel then? 😉
I’ve heard Pedal Power aren’t that hot at building wheels so not really wanting to take it there TBH…

YGM.

PeterPoddy – YHM.

Schmiken – mailed you back!