Originally Posted by
sknhgy
I love my Raleigh Passage 4.5. It is very light and comfortable. My longest ride was 67 miles. I've done 50+ miles several times with no problems.
I also looked at the Trek 7.2 fx's and similar models. The Treks and Raleighs are almost identical. I bought the Raleigh because the LBS is much closer.
It's a very smooth, comfortable, easy riding bike.
I also have a Trek 820 mtb that I ride on rough gravel - something the Raleigh isn't made to do.
This is the bike I was going to suggest you look at based on what you have said you need the bike for. I've never ridden one, but have seen it on trails around here and it's a fast bike without going the pure road bike route.