The El Mariachi I am looking at is a frame only, so gearing would be left up to me. However I want fairly low gearing. My tentative build kit for the Rock Tour is 44/32/22 front, 11-26 rear. That's where I'd gear the Mariachi too. The Mendota is 48/36/26 front, 11-26 rear. No need to go 11-32 or 11-34 rear, as I'll never try to climb hills that need those gears. I suspect I would rarely be in the 22t ring.

I know they sell the El Mariachi complete bike with that oddball 32t front, 11-34 rear.

BluesDawg knows I'm not planning to push this bike, that's why he groans when I mention a high performance mountain bike frame. If I ride any mountain bike trails at all, they will be beginner's level.

Just looking for a bike that can be a comfy 50 miler on asphalt, dirt, or fine gravel. And might encourage me to improve my fitness and performance. Maybe tackle a few more hills than I do on my 30 pound Trek hybrid. Oh, and in case you've missed my 50 posts on this subject, I hate drop bars. Also riding at 15mph is a really good day (actually hour) for me.

Looking for something that is in the 21-23 pound range that is comfortable over a 4 hour ride on fine gravel, slightly bumpy trails.

Have liked the Gary Fisher Mendota, 2007 Specialized Globe Pro, and what I've read about the Gunnar Rock Tour. I've ridden on approx 75-80 different bikes in the past 18 months!