The Jamis looks much like the bike that Freddy has in the picture above. The frame has the same steep angle as the pictured bike and room for only one water bottle. It is an aluminum framed bike with front shock suspension. From my understanding, you can loose some riding torque with a suspension bike. And a steel frame is better than aluminum?

Seeing that most of my beginning trips will be on the coastal flats of VA and NC, maybe this is not a big issue. I believe I will still do the Maya trailer no matter what. If I have to modify the Jamis with a tall seat post and extra long handle bar in order to compensate for the smaller frame....., I think I will come out better using the 12 speed or changing out the gears. My main concern is safety. Any one hear of the issues with the Huffy frame coming apart?