Originally Posted by
mountainwalker
The Trek FX 7.2 is on the short list. This is exactly the type of bike I'm referring to. Though I'd replace the seat with a more plush larger seat sitting on springs. If going for a bike without a front shock, would you go for a steel frame over an aluminum for a softer ride?
Steel is generally considered to give a softer ride, but even with 32mm tires I don't think there's much difference-- all the compliance is from the tires. I have an aluminum bike and a steel bike, and while they feel a little different I like them both just fine.
If you live in a very hilly area you might find seven speeds (on the Public bike) too limiting. But I think most people probably don't change gears in the front very often anyways. So even if their bike is 21, 24 or 27 speeds they're riding it as a 7, 8, or 9 speed. I live in a pretty flat area without any huge hills, and I have my two bikes set up as an 8 speed and a 9 speed.