I’ve been riding a fitness hybrid for a couple of years, and I’m looking to add a mountain bike for off-road trails. Not planning to do steep downhills or jumps. I just want something that will hold up over roots, ruts, and rough dirt roads. I know about drivetrain components and gear ratios, but I’d appreciate some help comparing a few forks.

Here are three leading contenders for me from a couple of local shops. I’m including drivetrain information just for context, but the forks are the big question marks for me. I understand that they’re all entry-level forks and as such aren’t that great. But I can’t afford a bike with a proper air shock. To be honest, the $800 would be stretching it for me, but if it’s really that much better I can swing it. I like the full Deore drivetrain and double crank on the Giant; but since the main things that will distinguish this bike from my hybrid will be the suspension and tires, I’m willing to compromise on those other preferences if the XCR on the Fire Mountain or the Rockshox on the Blast are going to noticeably improve things much.

2017 Giant Talon 2
Deore/Deore drivetrain
Suntour XCM fork
$650

2017 Kona Fire Mountain
Altus/Altus drivetrain
Suntour XCR fork
$630

2016 Kona Blast
Deore/Alivio drivetrain
RockShox 30 Silver TK fork
$800