So I decided to buy the Sidewinder I had been thinking about for a while and I really like it. It's nicer than any of the other Mart bikes I've ridden in my lifetime, but I have a few questions.

1) I have a wheel that needs to be trued on the bike. One of the wheels needs to be trued and the rim rubs against the brake pads in use. If I ignore this problemfor a few more days until I can go to a LBS, will the brake pads start to unevenly wear? Is this a big deal? Will I notice a difference in speed after the wheel is trued?

2) I minorly-frayed a brake cable while messing with the brakes (cable cap fell off), what can I do to protect the cable from further fraying if I can't solder it or have super/gorilla glue? Can I duct tape it or dip it in normal/carpenter's glue (lol)?

3) I'm thinking about upgrading to a lighter rigid fork and some slicks for the road. Can I get some recommendations for something cheap that will be lighter than an sr suntour fork and faster than Mtb knobbly tires that will fit on the bike? Again, will I feel any difference after switching these two things out?


Thanks for the help!