Recreational & Family - Help with hybrid choice

I need some help. I have narrowed my options for a new bike to the trek 7000, trek 7100, specialized crossroads. These are what my LBS carries. I know the 7000 does not have the suspension which I don't think I need since all my riding will be on hard surface streets and bike paths. the 7100 has the suspension at a $50 difference in cost. Is it worth it? I will be riding a couple of days a week, probably a hour or two at a time. The specialized is the same cost as the 7100. Any recommendations?

I was surprised at how much the suspension came into use when I first got back into cycling last year. I ride primarily the same type of things here. I found not all roads, and paths are as smooth as we wish. The crushed limestone bikepaths get washed out in spots around here. They can get pretty bumpy to ride thru at times. After my first ride on my 7100, I could see how much the front suspension fork actually compressed just by looking at the dust line. For $50, i'd say it's worth it.

Go for the 7100, if you ride both you will see the difference in the hand impact, it's very, very different. Go for the extra $$$ I love my 7100 great bike.

TP

I would like to add that also the 7100 has an alluminum frame, and the 7000 is steel. That may be a factor too.