Wow, what a thoughtful group you all are. There is a lot to consider here. Of course as I am getting closer to pulling the trigger on this I have started to re-think my decision altogether. I love the Sirrus and hope to be cycling on the road again someday but for right now I think I will spend most of my time on the trails. The trails are definitely hardpacked dust and gravel which is hard in most places, no tree roots or branches but there are some areas that are rocky and some areas that have loose gravel in them as well as a few spots where most of the surface has washed off and it is now hardpacked dirt. So, now my question is do I get the Sirrus and swap out the tires (according to BP the stock tires were 38 but not sure if that is accurate) to 32 or 35s or should I be looking at a different bike altogether. Maybe I should even get a cheap mountain bike for now until I am comforable getting out on the roads. The area around my house is very hilly and I am in pretty bad physical shape right now so the flatness of the trails is making my transition back into this sport much easier. Sorry for changing the direction of this thread but I am looking forward to your responses.