I recently got my brake-pads replaced at the LBS - Since I live on top of a hill, I asked the bike mechanic to set the brake-pads with minimal clearance from the rim. The rear wheel settings are perfect but the front wheel has a slight rub. The mechanic said that the brake-pad will level off in a week or so which hasn't happened yet. Should I go back to the LBS or let the brake-pads wear off? Does it significantly impact the rim? Btw the front wheel is true.

V brakes? Prolly some dirt in the arm pivot keeping it from retracting back all the way. Or the centering screws need to be tweaked.

remove/reinstall the front wheel if you haven't already. Just being at a slight angle when tightening front skewer can cause rub, worth a shot.

+1.

I don't like to have a minimum clearance on my v brakes. It will rub with every muddy, sandy, wet ride. You may also have some tiny bump on the rim where two ends are connected/welded together. That would be another reason to leave some more clearance.

Yep, get back to "normal" clearance. Those barrel adjusters are for when you need to make weekly/monthly adjustments. Very easy to do.

Looks like my LBS mechanic's prediction is sort of coming true - the brake pad rubbing has reduced substantially and might go away completely in a day or two. Btw love the Koolstop brake pads.

Brake pads rubbing after new installation is never a good thing. I just installed Koolstop pads for the first time. I also like them a lot. Very good stopping power, front is lound from time to time, but it's not a big deal. I just hope they will save my rims. Shimano were eating them like crazy.

I took your earlier advice and will be taking the bike to the LBS get the brakes re-adjusted to regular clearance. What are the symptoms and signs of rim wear?

Shimano pads were removing pieces of aluminum from the braking surface. Some ended up in the pad itself, damaging the rim even more with each stop. The surface of the rim was looking like someone took a 60 grit sandpaper and used it on it. Your rim will last much longer with good pads, and clean braking surface from mud or sand. Koolstop pads supposed to be easy on the aluminum rims. I'm very happy with them so far. Just keep your rim clean and enjoy the ride.

Oh...one more thing. Adjusting brakes is a very easy thing. No need to take it to the mechanic. You can browse bunch of different YouTube videos about the maintenance of the bike, and start doing stuff yourself.

Thanks - I looked and there doesn't seem to be any damage to the rims. The rubbing is also down significantly but has not vanished completely.