Hi all. really having trouble with making a decision here. Stuck btw a few choices and could use some insight (excuse the pun, diamondback is not on the list), specifically from those who own one of the bikes I list. Have a few concerns that perhaps could be cleared up.

About me: 230lbs, 6'2. A bit overweight, also a bit built. Normal proportions. Looking to do mostly 10-20 mi rides on moderate pavement, some rail trails, nothing truly offroad.

Admittedly, color is pretty important to me making this process harder

1. Cannondale Quick 7: First bike I saw. Cromoly fork, 35 Kenda tires, $480
-tires seem poor of the choices, but 35mm would allow me better access to rail trails imo. Cromoly fork would dampen a bit of noise. Price is a bit high for what I get imo

2. Giant Escape 2: Found online for 415. In store was 480 but LBS said would honor online price.
-A lot of people have good things to say. Comes with 32mm GIANT tires, alu fork.
-Biggest concern here is the smaller tires and the alu fork. Id imagine on even well flattened rail trails this combination would make for a very harsh ride.

**Would really appreciate some insight from Escape owners on the above**

3. Trek 7.2. This has been the bike kinda on the bottom of my list but resurfaced recently. In store it said 480 but online now the 17s are discounted to 400 would make this a game changer
-Steel fork, 35mm Bon tires a bit better
-My biggest issue is the disgusting colors. The blue is too girly for me and the "stoplight green" is not appealing. I like the Lime/Neon Spring in the Giant and Cdale, but the green here is just too much. looks like Easter egg colors. WTF is Trek thinking?

For 400 bucks I might get over it tho


Curious on insight from those who own any of the bikes above, as well as those with bikes with ALU forks who ride rails. I would probably pull the trigger on the Giant if I knew riding a limestone trail wouldnt be terrible.

I have test ridden the first two, albeit limited to parking lot only by the LBS. I couldnt tell much difference.