6'1", 230+, and I've been cyclo-commuting for nearly 8 years now! For most of that time, my round trip was 18 mi., now down to 10-11, depending on which 'scenic route' I take. Looking to bump it back up to the 18-20 range....

And I ride a Jamis Dakar XLT -- 5" suspension front and rear! 26x2.25 tires!

Just looked at the Jamis Coda and The Marin Novato...I'd roll the Marin in a SECOND!

Make the ride part of your training, man....