I love my 2012 Jamis Coda Sport, it's my utility/everyday bike so it has to do all kinds of terrain and pull my loaded utility trailer at times too! I've had several Jamis's over the years and really think the give a good "bang for the buck" over some of the current super producers brands, jmho, ymmv. I wanted the "STEEL" frame set due to using the bike as a "trailer tugger", (we are a Car Free couple). I've put on a more agressive treaded tire for a bit more "control" is loose dirt and sand than the stock tires which are VERY GOOD and the flat protection system is awesome! Unless your doing a lot of "rooted or broken up trail riding", you don't need the suspension, now IF your thinking of doing any "single track" trails, I'll go against the opinon's and say, YOU want suspension, again jmho. Do agree with a TEST RIDE being the best way to truel decide between these great bikes!