Hi - just joined & new to biking!

I'm about to purchase a new bike and have narrowed it down to a Sportster P1 or P2 - probably the P1 as it has better components and hydraulic disc brakes.

My main reason for the bike is to commute to/from work in all weather (15 mile), go to the shops, keep fit, etc. I want a bike that is comfortable to ride and can climb/descend gutters if needed - which is why I am leaning toward a hybrid. This said, I also want to traverse fire trails and dirt roads on the weekend (maybe) - nothing monumental like driving vertically down a cliff or climbing rocks in the local creek or jumping off a bridge!

Is the P1 up to this type of light to medium trail work - or should I be thinking P1 for commuting and then getting a serious off road bike for trail work (if I get into this type of thing). It appears from my reading that no bike can really do everything well!

I was speaking with another person and he said the short fork on the P1 was useless off road period - is this true?

Is the P1/P2 a good quality machine?

The specs for both the P1 and P2

http://scottusa.com/gb_en/category/195/hybrid

http://scottusa.com/gb_en/product/195/681/sportster_p2

I hope someone can guide me. Thank you...............Iain