I had a 7500fx last summer. It was a fine bike that I mostly rode on the road with 700x25 tires. I did make one 65 mile ride on it and I will say if you plan to travel long distances get a touring bike. The drop bars are life savers in the wind and the bar ends only go so far in helping hand numbness.
Please get a bike that is the right size for you. I had the 17.5 and I wish I had had a 21 inch frame. You won't miss the shocks at all.