Stupid, yes

So, i got some wheels with my new toy....one problem, the rear is 5 speed and i'd like it to be fixed and/or flip flop......now i know 'buy a new wheel' but i think i'd rather pay to convert it, and keep them as a set, than attempt to source and buy a new one from 'new'

is it worth paying someone to do it and whats the best/cheapest way?

Cheapest way is to buy a different wheel, doesnt have to be new.

Think about it, whats the best price for a fixed hub?

£25 lets say.

Cheap cog & lock ring: £10

Spokes: 50p x 36 = £18

So thats like £53 even if you recycle the rim just for parts. Labour will be £15 or so on top.

You can get a very good second hand wheel for that, or a decent new one. If you have a bunch of old spokes/fixed hub to recycle then it can work out cheap but youll still need to build the thing.

Well thats kinda the point.....

I could spend 50 quid on a second hand wheel that wouldn't match the one i have, which would leave me with yet another wheel lying around the house, or i could just convert the wheel i actully want for the same price without having extras lying round.....i'm not really that fussed about spending a little more to get what i want

1 you can't always re-use a rim.

2 if you want a fixed wheel and bought a free wheel you are probably to stupid to figure out how to put on trousers.

Your making a dilemma out of nothing. Just buy a bloody wheel, your not gonna save any money by recycling parts if you cant build the thing yourself. Plus rims are much more disposable than hubs or spokes, they wear out from braking and bumps. I cant imagine the rim is that incredible if it came on a 5 speed wheel. Just put the thing aside and save yourself some time.