Thanks Torellian. Looks like Scheels All-Sports is only in the Midwest. I found a GT Avalanche 2.0 mountain bike with an Alivio rear derailleur on Ebay. (GT is now owned by the same company as Schwinn, et.al.) The "Buy Now Price" is
$229! Since I live in NJ, I drove to her store today to pick up the bike and save shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=98083
GT triple triangle 6061 butted aluminum hardtail frame w/ dirt worthy geometry, zero stack headset, disc mounts and replaceable hanger. RockShox Judy TT fork w/ preload adjustment, 80mm travel. Shimano 24 speed drive train w/ Alivio rear derailleur; EF-29 shifters; TruVativ Iso-Flow crankset Tektro alloy linear pull brakes. Alloy ATB rims, 8 spd cassette rear hub; alloy micro adjust post; 20mm rise bars. Tiogra Factory Extreme / Factory XC 1.95" tires. Quick release seat and wheels. Blue and black color.