Replace or repair wheel?

[linz_lane]

Hello All,

I need some advice on whether to repair or replace my rear wheel. I have a decent single speed road bike that a friend built together for me. I let another friend borrow it, and he decided it was a good idea to ride 6 miles on a flat (lessen learned not to let people borrow your stuff). So in doing so, he busted a spoke, and bent the rim. I removed the busted spoke and got a new tube. Its rideable but the wheel wobbles a bit, not terrible but enough to be annoying. Im not an experienced mechanic so I was wondering if this is something that is worth taking to a bike shop to get the wheel trued and replace the spoke. Or is it cheaper just to buy a new wheel? Let me know your thoughts. thanks.

[nfmisso]

It depends on the labor rates at your local LBS.  Telephone and ask.

A new wheel can be had for less than $50-; but it will probably need to be trued, tensioned and stress relieved.

Personally, I build up my own wheels.

[DaveM]

With a missing spoke, the wheel is going to wobble no matter what. It may be pretty simple to replace the spoke and true up the wheel. But you need someone to look at it to determine if it is bent behind easy straightening or not.
Also need to asses if the out edge of the rim was damaged by riding on the flat. This is not uncommon and is probably not fixable if there is any real damage.

Take it in to a shop and let them look. They should be able to tell you without having to do any work/charge anything.