Jeff, my LBS gets pretty busy in the summer, I just save my tune up for the winter right after a snow storm when the roads are still dirty. I get it back usually after 1-2 days.

Shimpiphany, disc brakes, good ones anyway, are stupid easy to set up and maintain. Plus you never have to worry about centering it or toeing it in. If you're locking up a wheel, that probably means you're using the rear brake too much. I won't give a lecture but the front brake provides 75% of your stopping power and if you lock up the front, you'll feel the pain. Also, slide your butt back behind the seat when you brake hard to avoid going over the bars and get your body and center of gravity low.

The novara seems like a good choice, a lot more versatile, and you'll appreciate the discs in wet conditions.