First off ,hello all from northern cal,been lurking for awhile and really like the forum.

Anyway,Im looking to start biking to work.Its a short commute, about 5 miles each way over fairly flat ground,part of which (about a mile) is over a hard packed gravel road.Im 5-10 and about 225.

So Ive been shopping bikes for a couple weeks, and Im leaning towards getting a Marin Muirwoods 29er.Its $699 at rei.I like it cause it has a more or less upright riding position,I can add a rack/fenders and it has a steel frame.Is there any reason this is a bad choice for me?Any suggestions for something in a similar price range would be appreciated.

TIA