Elaphe, I agree that your intended riding routes do call for a fork. In your price range, you get a better bike for the same price if you hunt around for a 2011 bike. It will take some calling and leg work, but you might find a nice deal. I just have a pair of leos at home; they are over 8 years old now. But I do have fish tanks (cory cats, spotted green puffers, guppies, lost a whole tank of loaches a couple of weeks ago). At work, though, is the might 180L tank with three red ear slider turtles.