I've attempted to buy a bike locally through local classified ads, but everyone in my new town seems to want way too much for their used bikes. Most don't even want to look at my "ebay comparables" I bring to support my price. the latest round was an individual firmly wanting over half of retail for an 8 year old bike with out dated parts (front fork is no longer made) and with stretched out brake cables and in need of a tune up (claiming it only had 20-30 miles on it).

so, i'm in search for a winter commuter. My only requirement is that it have disc brakes. i have a large hill i come down in the morning. not sure the grade or length, but I "ride" the brakes on the way down and top out at about 30 mph (speed limit is 25 mph, btw).

whatever I end up doing, I am going to lace the front wheel up to an alivio dynohub, as I have already made the investment in lights and hubs with my rando habit. I know the alivio needs to have a shimano rotor bolt pattern or whatever.

so, since I have struck out in the local market for a bike with disc brakes, I am on bikes direct. looking at moto 400ht and moto 300 ht.

Questions:
-any other bikes I should be considering?
-I am looking at the 300 ht and upgrading the front hub and to decent disc brakes I know will work with the hub. are the disc brakes on the 400 ht worth while? and compatibile with the shimano alivio dynohub?

thanks!!!