I'm interested in getting a bike basically for getting my butt out of the house and to get in shape, but mainly for leisure.

I ideally want to go riding out of the city into the countryside, so light trails, some off-roading (I'm sure), but I think mainly I'll be on the road just to get up into the country.

I was looking at a Giant Roam 2 $659 (Canadian) and was then told about the Specialized Crosstrail, which I have yet to see.


Can any of you suggest which of the two, or maybe a third, like a Trek 7.5 FX if I'm not mistaken.


I'm not 100% sold on suspension forks, I mean 20+ years ago, when people went off trails, there weren't any suspension forks, it was just muscle and steel working the trails or whatever we rode on.
But, if they really do help, then I guess it's fine. But from reading, having a suspension fork will detract a bit of my road riding (speed and weight)?

So as you can see, I need help and clarification.

Thanks.