Quote Originally Posted by Triskeliongirl View Post
Be advised that a new wheel build could be very expensive. I am a little confused. Either the rim is defective or its not. If its defective the manufacturer should cover parts and labor, and if its just a normal seam you don't need to do anything.

Also, why are you bringing your bike to a shop to have tires swapped? You should know how to fix a flat, and swapping out tires is no different. Working on a bike is really easy, and often takes no more time than bringing it back and forth to a shop. The more you learn to do yourself, the more self-sufficient you'll be if you get a mechanical on the road.

Also, so you aren't without your bike, most good shops will give you a loaner wheel while they are rebuidling yours (at least around here).

EDIT: Note, I just saw your post about a mechanics classes. Good for you! You may want to just start with a simple book first. I like the park tools blue book. Its not rocket science, you just have to look at stuff and its pretty logical how it works, but then the books tells you all those little details that aren't obvious, like about lubricating screws, etc. Bike clubs and shops both often run simple maintenance classes, how to fix a flat, stuff like that.

EDIT ADD....

My wheels are in, and I'm going to put them on with the mechanic on my shop trip. He offered up the DIY instruction if I was interested. I responded, "You betcha" .