Thanks to you guys for continuing to help this novice sort this out. Though everyone seems to have obvious favorites, one thing I'm quickly learning is that all of the major brands are really pretty good bikes ... personal preference seems to really play a large role in making a choice ... I think I'm comfortable buying a Trek or a Specialized at this point.

Question ... is buying a GF hybrid and getting a second set of wheels with fat tires to pop on when doing single-track off-road riding a good option? Again, I foresee about 75% of my riding on pavement/tame trails/gravel roads, up and down hills (some steep) around town and about 25% on single-track trails in forest parks (rougher, some steep) outside of town.

Bill