Just a quick update on a couple things. I visited with one of the wrenches at a local bike shop today who said he would sell me a 28T granny ring for $20 and a 12-26 rear cassette for $30 since I had indicated I also wanted new tires & tubes and a basic tune-up package ($40). Can''t beat a deal like that; heck paying shipping would have the cost of the granny well over what he is going to charge. I'm taking them the bike Friday afternoon.

I also requested the N-Gear Jump Stop on Sunday morning and the guy had it to me in today's mail. It's an amazingly simple and beautifully effective device; well worth the $12 price tag.

Appreciate all the advice here.