Humm, we had 700x25C tires on our bikes, then decided we didn't like the "ride", it just seemed harsh, went to 700x28C tires and the ride was less harsh with no real speed loss. Now the BEST thing you can do is RIDE lot's of styles and brands of hybrids, only then will YOU find the one that, "talks" to you and feel's right, jmho. IF your going to be doing a lot more, "dirt path" or hard packed off road, then don't get a "barely treaded" tire, they are slippery on the dirt/gravel paths. Look into a "cyclo-cross tire in a 700x28 or even 32C for dirt path useage for more stability. No you don't need suspension UNLESS your going to ride "rough/rocky double or single track" off road! Try the ride of a "chrome-moly" steel frame and fork, it's smoother than alum. and not as fragil as carbon fibre. I use my Jamis Coda Sport for everything, trailer hauling, dirt path riding, road riding, utility runs, etc. with a 700x32C Vittoria Randonneur Cross tire and it works well.