Originally Posted by
mcmoose
The 7.4 gives you the carbon fork, which is more forgiving (although not as forgiving as a front suspension).
The usefulness of a carbon fork to "damp" vibrations on an aluminium hybrid bike is overstated. I rode both and felt no added comfort from the carbon fork, the only difference is weight. Steel, on the other hand, makes more of a difference. Personally I enjoy the liveliness of a full aluminium bike, but I wouldn't want to take it out on rough trails.