Gregg is a good guy, and his prices are fair. Better to get a bike set up properly and spend a little more, than get a dump special and spend hours trying to sort it out.
And yes, you want a multi-speed bike. Look for one that has at least 6 cogs on the back, and a big/small chain ring combo up front. The Canal is one of the windiest places on the entire East Coast, and even experienced, serious road cyclists struggle riding into the wind. 11' surf rods and 30 lbs. of tackle don't help cut the wind any.
