I got my wheel fixed. There were a few extra spokes that were marred up pretty good so I had those replaced. The grand total at my not so local bike shop for 9 spokes and 1 spoke protector, and the wheel being trued came up to $8.25 (that's labor included). Bit cheaper than buying a used "real" bike (like a Trek) that probably would need work done to it anyway. A few more modifications like extra racks and I'll be ready for a back country foray down in the Arizona desert