Yes, a SS 26" would be perfect. And I have looked at the big box stores to no avail. All I find are 3x9 full-suspension MTBs. My local Wally World has a couple that were returned. I assume there were problems shifting or something similar. I was all geared up (heh) to make a lowball offer on one, but nobody with the authority to set the price could be found.
Thanks for the suggestion.