Originally Posted by
lmike6453
I have 2 weeks to return it and the decision making is driving me crazy!
Return it and get this:
https://www.rei.com/product/109339/c...es-adv-31-bike
It's hard to get the "right" bike on the first pick, but this is a all-around multi-purpose bike that will last a long time, and it's closer aligned with your stated goals. The lack of front suspension
might be an issue - if the terrain is fairly rough then you'd want a front suspension, but not a cheap one. I'd start off without front suspension and prove to yourself you really need it before investing the money, weight and more moving parts of a front suspension.