Bike shops here are swamped with repair business so don't be in too big of a hurry. I imagine the situation is the same all around due to high gas prices.

You should be able to do the set up yourself. Read Sheldon Brown and Park Tools for help. Bike shop is always there in case of emergency.

I did have some trouble with an old Varsity with Positronic shifting and decided it was well worth the money to let the LBS fix it rather than spend all my weekend with that crazy bike. If you ever take that crank off, be very very careful of the 80-90 ball bearings that are inside.