My back wheel was stolen, need help building a new one

[boy in a kilt]

I've built a few wheels and it's pretty gratifying. Plus, once you've built a wheel yourself, truing it will never seem like a big deal again.

Don't think about it as spending a couple of hundred bucks on a $450 bike, it's not a car. Spending a little money on a frame that's structurally sound and adding to it as you go is perfectly ok.

[Melalvai]

Several months ago I was told my bottom bracket needed replaced and that I should consider just buying a new bike. I compared the price of the bracket with the price of a new bike--and how long it would take me to save up for a new bike--and what would I do if the bracket failed before I got a new bike. I chose to get a new bracket and in fact the bracket failed before the new part had come in!

Since then I've spent nearly as much money on repairs & accessories as if I'd gotten a new bike. The cost is still trivial compared to car maintenance! I'm really in tune with my bike. I know what loose bearings sound like, for example.

I wanted a new bike, and I still do (don't tell my bike I said that, her feelings would be hurt), but being forced to repair the old continually, I've learned so much more than if I'd just gotten a new bike when the bottom bracket failed.

[attack plan r]

Thanks for the help, everyone.

I have another question. My bike originally had a 12x23 cassette. Suppose I were to get a new set of wheels with a 12x25 cassette. What adjustments would need to be made? Chain length? Derailleur adjustments?

Again, I really appreciate everyone being so helpful.

[DebW]

Derailleur adjustment should be OK is you stick with the same number of cogs. You might need a couple more links in the chain if your current chain was set as short as possible, but it might be OK.