Originally Posted by
jack_steady
...Thanks
If I were buying a bike, I'd get the Bridge Club over the Troll and save $500. Note the BC has a double crank and narrower gear range, 16-90 gear-inches.
If I wanted to save more money, I'd buy a used LHT bike or frameset and build my own. Note that a "good deal" in the right size is usually difficult to find - you could be waiting a year or more. Most used LHT bikes on eBay go for $800-1100, plus shipping.
Finding one of these bikes in a store in the right size is unlikely, and the short, unloaded test ride doesn't tell you much. Experienced bicyclists tend to know what size bike they need, handlebar preference, etc, in which case they can simply order the desired bike/frameset and pick it up in a week or so. This would be your best bet if you happen to have that knowledge/information.