Thanks for responding.

I just got off the phone with the LBS a moment ago and he said he had the Alivio but not the Altus.

I feel it is possible that the dropout may be damaged, and I will make sure they check that as well, thanks.

The Alivio is a bit more money than the Altus but the reviews are very positive.

The LBS by my apartment opens at 10. I will see what they have on offer. I still have a service contract on this bike making the workmanship free at this shop. But I sincerely want to ride home tonight and it may mean enough to me to pay extra so I can ride home....

If I was patient I could buy the Alivio for $26.20 on Amazon, with free 2 day shipping (Prime trial still in effect), and then have the LBS where I bought my bike install it for free. This equals a rideable bike Friday evening/Saturday.

They want 40$ for the Alivio (which is the top price listed on Amazon) at the LBS near my office and god only knows how much they will charge for the install and tuning. So I would guess I probably cannot get this work done TODAY for less than $60 parts and labor included.

Is 2 and a half days worth of riding worth $30 more? Most likely, to me, yes. :|