Hi, I'm completely new to both BF and biking in general, live in PG county. I need advice for which bike to get: my plan is to train/get into shape by riding on the various trails we have around here. If I can work up to it, I'd eventually like to commute (about 11mi on back roads, from one suburb to another).

Most of my research says to get a hybrid, but then I'd be unable to take it on rougher trails. While I have no interest in technical downhill trails, it really depends on what's available in this area. Guys at the bike store have been telling me to get a comfort bike (Trek Navigator 3.0) but it really feels squirrely and heavy to me compared to the Trek 7200.

Any tips? Will I really be missing out on trails in this area if I get a hybrid? Are there enough paved/packed dirt trails to use within 1hr driving that aren't filled with pedestrians all the time?