Replacing spokes on a cheap wheel

[Feanor]

Shimano R500 cheap wheel, has busted a spoke.

http://si.shimano.com/php/download.php?file=pdf/ev/EV-WH-R500-F-2338E.pdf

Googling for the shimano-branded part number, the 278mm spokes are coming in at silly money ( Between £3 and £5 *each* ).
I'm sure I will end up replacing several, as I expect many will be seized.

Is there any reason I can't use generic eg DT Swiss spokes of the same length?
They are more sensibly priced:

https://www.rosebikes.com/article/dt-swiss-champion---the-traditional-spoke/aid:47820

( I've already replaced the wheel, repairing the old one is purely for fun. )

[andrew_s]

An R500 looks like a normal wheel to me on web images (J-bend spokes, normal-looking nipples), so you will be able to use any regular spoke of the same length.

Use a new nipple too, just in case the thread is slightly different

[Canardly]

DT nipples are not that easy to locate via LBS so make sure you order them at the same time as the spokes. The postage is prohibitively expensive just for the nipples (DAMHIKT). 

[Feanor]

Thanks all.
For sure I'll order new nipples at the same time.
The old nipple has a seized stub of spoke in it, and I'm 90% certain that I won't be able to turn any of the other nipples; I expect they will be seized solid onto the spokes.

[Feanor]

Follow-up Q:

When measuring a nipple length, it it the total overall length, or just the barrel length below the shoulder?

[Biggsy]

Overall length.

[Brucey]

yup.  DT spokes will be fine BTW.  Such wheels are quite repairable. I do wish that rims were more readily available though.

cheers

[Torslanda]

...but given the way the bucket shops discount them (besides only selling them in pairs) it's hardly surprising you can't get the bits and they're relatively 'expensive'.

It's the 'throw away' society.

[Brucey]

...but given the way the bucket shops discount them (besides only selling them in pairs) it's hardly surprising you can't get the bits and they're relatively 'expensive'.

It's the 'throw away' society.

it is all rather disappointing though, isn't it?  If set up and lubricated correctly, the hubs ought to last about five sets of rims...

I am surprised that more of the aftermarket rim suppliers have not offered more rims that are suitable for rebuilding the wheels with the modern vogue of 'not enough spokes really'.

I priced up a replacement rear rim for a DA wheelset the other day; Madison (bless 'em...) seem to think that £309.99 would be an appropriate price for the replacement rim....

cheers