I've been riding my bike almost daily since April, often towing two kids in a trailer. Gears. Are are important, especially on hills.

FWIW: My mountain bike has a shock/spring-thing below the seat instead of a long seat tube connecting it to the lower frame. There's a gap, and it's making it a challenge it get a rear rack and panniers.

My buddy Carolina Chris did this to his bike and I think I'm going to try to emulate him. Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfBhj0Gse2s