drlogik 

Here's how you could have avoided all of the angst:

1. Call a shop and ask if they sell spokes and/or custom cut and thread spokes to length.
2. Put the old spoke in a bag and go to the shop that said yes.
3. Tell them you need a spoke to replace the old one.
4. Boom.

If they can't do the job then find another shop. Remember though, "bike mechanics" today and not the same as bike mechanics 30 years ago. I know, I know, all of the technology advances, etc., and not all mechanics are equal. Some are good. Today though, in general, they just replace parts, they don't actually repair parts. Change your expectations and do 99% of the work yourself.

I worked for years in shops when I was a teenager and early 20's. I learned from the very best. In my town there are probably 8 bike shops. Only one of them do I trust with my old Pinarello; however, no other person other than myself is allowed to go near that bike.


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