There's a solution to this problem: buy some tools and learn to do your own maintenance!

I order parts via the Internet and generally have them in 2-3 days, maybe a week at the most. I save money on parts, the labor is free, and I know that everything which needs to be checked is going to be checked and properly repaired or updated. I don't trust the over-worked minimum-wage mechanic at my LBS to put the same amount of care into my bike that I would. Plus, if anything breaks on the road I know how to fix it.

Bicycle maintenance is easy people! I'm an absolute klutz and have no innate mechanical ability, but I've managed to build 5-6 bikes from the frame up over the last couple of years. Bookmark Sheldon Brown's site, buy yourself a copy of Park's Big Blue Book of Repair (or bookmark their repair info) and you're good to go! Run into problems? Grab a cell phone or digicam, snap a few pictures, and post them on BF to get advice.

As far as tools go, you can do a heck of a lot on a bicycle with full-sized equivalents of the stuff you'd find on a basic multi-tool: hex keys, screwdriver, chain tool, etc. Add a cheap cassette lock-ring tool (~$5), a bottom bracket wrench (~$20), a spoke wrench (~$5), and a cable+housing cutter (~$40) and you've covered probably 95% of the tools you'll ever use... A repair stand is really nice to have and it will cost some money, but there are deals to be found and you can get by without one if necessary.