lofnsjoke, thanks for the detailed post... exactly what I was looking for. And with links to boot!
The results turned up in my search were kind of outdated.

I can get pretty much any major brand here. All you suggested and more. We even have one of bike direct's retail stores but they get horrrrrrrible reviews for their customer service.

I'm near downtown so lots of shops to choose from... from mom & pop to big chains like Bike Barn and Performance and REI.

Out of the ones you listed, do you have a preference (brand or model)? Or is it 6 of one, half a dozen of the other? I don't know mtn bike components either, so it's all greek to me.

Thanks!