How-To/Mechanics: Replacing Spokes

My Bianchi BUSS has a bussted spoke on the rear wheel, broke right at the hub. The wheel is definitely out of true as a result, the commute this morning was loud with rubbing between the rim and brake pads.

How hard is it to replace a spoke? I'd like to stop by the LBS and pick up a new one and do it myself, unless its a pain in the ass in which case I'll stimulate the local economy

If you broke a drive side spoke you'll need to remove the cassette/freewheel/cog. If its a non drive side it will be easier just make sure you match your spoke pattern or the structural integrity of the wheel will be thrown off, especially if it is on the drive side. Have your lbs put spoke prep on the threads of the spoke. Its also easier to drive the nipple in if you have a nipple driver. As long as you can true a wheel and are fairly familiar with it you should be alright.

Bummer. Are you taking it to the lbs?

Then this is a great time to pick one up or barrow one!
Perhaps your LBS would let you fix it at there shop? It’s not hard to do this repair really, & if you haven’t done it before, it’s a good skill to learn.

I bought a set of Ambrosio/C-Record wheels at a local frame builder's garage sale for my '80s Bianchi, and only discovered afterward that there was a spoke missing (rear, NDS). I was a little squeamish about installing a spoke, but it was actually pretty easy. I got the spoke into true with about 30 minutes fiddling, and that's just because I was fussy. It's held up fine for the last 500 miles.

If it's just one spoke, you can true it up pretty well just by using the brakes; if there are several spokes involved, mooching a stand makes sense. And I'm with Joshua and the stink-man: If you're going to use any kind of gearing, and you're a wrenchy guy, get the tools to remove the gearing yerself. This means Shimano or Campy lockring sockets for cassettes (the Campy-spline socket also works for modern Campy BBs). It's even more important for freewheels, since there's a much wider variation. I installed a Regina freewheel on my Bianchi, but I didn't do it until I'd paid the $7 for the Park socket. If you're running anything other than a BMX freewheel, it's always a risk that you'll find yourself in an emergency, and the LBS you can get to doesn't have the wrench for your oldie freewheel. I've yet to see any freewheel socket other than a Phil that cost more than $10; it's worthwhile just for the peace of mind.

Nothing yet, been riding it as-is until I have time to get this sorted out at the new LBS