Well, I am assuming I should test ride the Trek Earl to get some kind of idea of what the Nashbar Hounder will feel like.

It was suggested a while back on this forum (I vaguely remember at least) that I test ride a Trek Earl. I haven't been able to find any local bicycle shops that had the Trek Earl (at least in my size).

Hypothetically, if I were to get that Nashbar Hounder, what would I have to upgrade to make it safe and efficient? And what should I upgrade said components to?