Thanks for all the tips and thoughts. I've been too sick and too busy to check in much.
I'm going to try seeking advice at a shop tomorrow, and see if I can start sorting this thing out.
A lot of my frustration comes from the fact I do all the work on our MTB's, and don't usually have problems. Part of it may be I'm just not used to these skinny bikes. All that, and the fact that it has taken a huge mental effort to refocus on my health and try to ride, and then be put off.
vpiuva: Don't stayt home waiting on the brown truck just yet.
Pinyon: Thanks for some of the technical sorting out. Based on what happens tomorrow, I'll probably just build with a new rim and spokes off the existing hub.
I actually like the bike a lot; was very tickled to have what seemed a nice bike in it's day, for a price I could cope with. Just kind of have that kid-with-a-broken-toy-feeling.
I'll get it figured out soon I hope. Now if I could figure out how you duct tape a hemorrhoid donut to a bicycle seat....
Thanks very much,
Rob