If you have a steel bike with big tires there's no need for a suspension! At least to my crotchety old mind. Geometry that will handle a lot of weight with style and grace is still key. My bike, 30+ pounds of lead acid batteries, a last-generation Wilderness Energy hub motor and an old fat guy on top is close to a 300 pound juggernaut. The 1997 Rockhopper was nimble and a bit twitchy without the motor, and rough riding and a little unstable with the motor, etc. The long wheelbase and slack headtube angle of the Miyata makes a huge difference, while the steel frame soak up a lot of the shocks.