Yeah, I've followed most of the postings concerning your Muirwoods 29er. It made my list primarily because the LBS clerk tried his best to convince me that the frame was versatile- rack mounts front and rear, could take fenders, suggested it could be pressed into service as a tourer and I vaguely recall him pointing out the bottom bracket was high enough to permit CX racing if I was so inclined. Of course the fact that it's made of steel is a plus.

But as to the weight factor- I'm currently doing the bike and bus thing. I have to lift my bike onto the rack almost daily. I've discovered that some of those racks are mounted higher than others. And I transport my bike by placing into the back of the Suburban. All of which I'm more than capable of doing, but after that one day that I had to walk my bike around until after work (front flat and FUBAR pump) makes me think that a lighter bike sure would be nice.