Hybrid Bicycles - Fuji Absolute 5.0. Would you buy this?

Here is the link to the bike. http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-50-usa

I am going to be riding on a "Towpath" basically, it is paved, gravel and in some areas, dirt.

My LBS has this for $300 new. I am looking at 3 bikes.

1) Fuji Absolute 5.0($300)
2) Giant Cypress ST($300)
3) Trek 7000($439)

What would you choose?

Giant Escape 1. You will not like that Fuji in any kind of real dirt with 28c tires.

http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-30-usa3
Id spend the extra coin get this one.

Go for the Giant Escape1, which is around $450-$500

or the Escape2 ($350-$400)

Go for the Giant Escape1, which is around $450-$500

or the Escape2 ($350-$400)

What is the main difference? I would like to be a serious biker in the future, but I need to cut some weight and I need a starter bike. Let me know please :)

28c tire is too narrow for dirt for one thing.

... I would like to be a serious biker in the future, but I need to cut some weight and I need a starter bike...

I believe that if you are going to continue "seriously" in the future, buy a bike new or used bike which has a solid looking fork, integrated headset (NOT THREADED), minimum 9 speed cassette, clamp on stem for 25.4 bars or 31.8 bars, wheels laced with min 32 spokes. :)
This will alow you to upgrade at will, with minimun problems once you get "serious". ;)
There are endless threads on the hybrid forum, of people wanting to "upgrade" just months after they buy their bike. The best idea is to buy a decent bike with the good gear first up, instead of stuffing around after a few weeks wondering "what I should upgrade". :bang:
For your $300 / $400, I seriously would be going for a good used bike. :thumb:

eg. this in used http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-20-usa3

Welcome To Bike Forums, Nexium!

I say, buy the Giant Cypress ST! I say this because, at this price point, you're getting a nice chromoly steel frame. This frame will last you a very long time. The components on the frame can all be eventually replaced with much better components. Once you've upgraded your components, say within the next five to six years, with the addition of a nice rack, fenders, and perhaps a Brooks saddle, you'll have a bike that most other cyclists can only dream about....

You'll have a comfort hybrid that will be perfect for short commutes, grocery shopping, sight-seeing, park riding, general exercise, and the dirt trails.

The Giant Cypress.ST ~ $350
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/cypress.st/9019/48871/ (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/cypress.st/9019/48871/)

PS.

Personally, I'd wait just about two or three years, then I'd spend one summer weekend converting it to a 9 speed with an XT Gruppo.

I believe that if you are going to continue "seriously" in the future, buy a bike new or used bike which has a solid looking fork, integrated headset (NOT THREADED), minimum 9 speed cassette, clamp on stem for 25.4 bars or 31.8 bars, wheels laced with min 32 spokes. :)
This will alow you to upgrade at will, with minimun problems once you get "serious". ;)
There are endless threads on the hybrid forum, of people wanting to "upgrade" just months after they buy their bike. The best idea is to buy a decent bike with the good gear first up, instead of stuffing around after a few weeks wondering "what I should upgrade". :bang:
For your $300 / $400, I seriously would be going for a good used bike. :thumb:

eg. this in used http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-20-usa3

I agree with this approach, but I know there is a drawback to trying to find a good quality used bike when you're just starting out. On the other hand, you could find yourself a nice used hardtail mountain bike that would be great for your intended use, and which you'd probably still enjoy riding even after you got "serious"...and which would be cheaper than the new bikes you're considering now.

....On the other hand, you could find yourself a nice used hardtail mountain bike that would be great for your intended use, and which you'd probably still enjoy riding even after you got "serious"...and which would be cheaper than the new bikes you're considering now.

I agree 100 percent. Although many will disagree, I think a good used rigid forked hardtail is a great alternative to a `hybrid`. Basically throw some semi-slicks on and you`re set.