I didn't end my last transmission Eugene, because I wasn't quite done yet...

Anyways, once you've become somewhat familiar with the construction of the bicycle. I would suggest that you introduce yourself to some of the employees where you've decided to purchase your bike. Maybe show up around lunchtime with an extra-large pizza or something, after you've already eaten. Give the whole pizza to them! Let them know that you're only too grateful that they've assisted you in the proper selection of such a great bike. Next, make sure that you become friendly with at least a couple of people. Hopefully, one of the mechanics will become a really good friend and it would be best if you got to know the owner(s), too. Then, after about five weekends of just hanging around, making friends, buying pizza, and talking about bikes and everything, ask the owner if it would be alright if you could work part-time there at the shop, just for the summer. If they say no, that's OK too! You still want to keep them as friends. Therefore, just ask the owner if it would be alright if you could just volunteer your time for free, just to have the opportunity to work around such great bikes and such great people. If he still says no, then try another bike shop.

You've just got to become the best bicycle mechanic that you possibly can become, due to your location. You want to become as mechanically independent as possible. Eventually, the only thing that a LBS will be able to do for you will be to sell you either a component or an accessory. Working in a bicycle shop for one summer will allow you to pick up a couple of skills, at least. It will also help you to understand where your mechanical weaknesses are. Then you'll know better where to focus...

So now, back to the list. So we've eliminated the drop handlebar list. That leaves us with the flat handlebar list. Since I've just discovered that the Trek Sawyer doesn't have a rack mount, we're eliminating that one too. Therefore, essentially, there's just three bikes remaining, the Surly Ogre, the Raleigh Talus 29er Comp, and the Raleigh Talus 29er Elite.

Since we've pretty much decided that we're not going the way of hybrids, I've also reluctantly, taken the liberty of eliminating the venerable Jamis Coda Elite and the Marin Muirwoods 29er hybrids. Also, since the Surly Ogre lacks a suspended fork (same as the LHT) and is somewhat parallel to the LHT in its ability to accept wider tires, it would only be fair and logical to eliminate the Surly Ogre too!

Therefore, we're down to the only two 29er MTN bikes (within your budget) that I could find, with both rack and fender mounts:

The Raleigh Talus 29 Comp and the Raleigh Talus 29er Elite MTN bikes
www.thebikestand.com/raleigh.html

All of the major bicycle manufacturers make 29er MTN bikes...

They just don't make them with ample amount of eyelets or rack mounts!

Happy Hunting and Good Luck!

- Slim

PS.

Eugene, it's really going to be most important to find a MTB that already has a rack mount. The rack mount will be instrumental in installing a rack that will be carrying somewhat heavy beverages. You can't just attach any ole rack to the back and say that you're done. This somewhat heavy load will place stress onto both your bike and your rack. If you can't find a MTB that has eyelets or mounts for a decent rack, then you'll have go after-market.

You want to get some type of after-market heavy duty rear bike rack like this Pioneer:
www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/RackPages/RearRacks.html

If you attach one of those old fashioned plastic milk crates to it, you'll be able to carry all of your groceries, including a gallon of OJ.

If you have any questions at all, we will all be more than happy to assist you at anytime, my friend!