My good friend raced for many years, had a beautiful Italian race bike. Then he stopped, as a very strong Cat 3, at maybe 25 yrs old, for about 10 years. He smoked, drank, and got fat (240-250 lbs, from 155 or so). Then he decided to get back in shape. He got an intro level Jamis a couple years ago, now down to 180 or so (he's 6' and change). Okay, fine, he wore out the drivetrain in a year. The frame/fork is fine.

Ironically I just did a post on "cheap" race bikes, but I started at $875.
http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...team-bike.html

I think you'll be fine on the Jamis, and I think you'll have a blast riding.

cdr