Hi. I am looking for a new bike. I want something that will be comfortable enough to ride on paved bike paths with my family, but rugged enough to beat up on rough dirt paths occasionally. I also would like to sit more upright than a typical MTB. I have an old Diamondback Topanga right now and it always seems to hurt the back of my neck from trying to look up to see where I am going. So far, my LBS's have recommended the Marin Redwood and Specialized Crosstrail, but I am open to anything right now. I am concerned that the Marin won't be tough enough, but does have an adjustable stem to get the posture I want. I'm also wondering about the components. How much of a difference is there in entry level stuff?
What are your thoughts on those two bikes and any others I should look at?
I'm having a really hard time deciding, so any help would be great.

Personally, I'd go with a nice cyclocross bike. Do some searches or check out the cyclocross forum on this site. There is a lot of good info out there.

A Dutch style sit up and see the world bike , comfortable upright position.

Look at the Trek 7200, 7300 and 7500 if you want a shock absorber fork, and the Trek FX series if you don't. bk

Thanks for the replies.
As for the cyclocross, I really want something that is part MTB. They are also too expensive.
Actually I was just about to throw in the Trek Navigator 3.0, but the 7200 looks interesting too. My LBS doesn't have them in stock, so I can't ride it yet, but what do you think? How do the Navigator and the 7200 compare?
I was also wondering what you guys think about my rear derailleur. I have a 1994 Shimano STX on my Diamondback. The Navigator and Redwood both come with Alivio. Should I consider putting that on the new bike instead of the Alivio?
I think I'm down to the Navigator 3.0 or the Marin Redwood.

Ok, I'm starting this up again. I've decided to forget about the comfort bike and go for a mountain bike. Right now the Trek 4300 is at the top of my list. $500 for rim brakes and $600 for hydraulic discs. Are the discs worth the extra $100? Any other bikes I should look at for under $600?

Good choice on the MTB. You can always get a more upright stem or bars with some pullback to them if you find the position too aggressive.

As long as you know your frame size ... take a look on-line.
Free shipping and no tax at about half the price of LBS retail

Shimano SLX 24Spd Front Suspension Bike 2011 Dawes 1500 $419
Truvativ Cranks, Lock-Out Rockshox Fork, WTB Tires and Seat, Aluminum Frame

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/hay1500xi.htm

Wow! That's a sweet deal. I've never heard of Dawes bikes. My only problem with buying online is that I've don't know anything about assembling or tuning a bike. My LBS will give me free adjustments for life.

Some amazing deals on Bikes Direct, but all stuff I've never heard of. Are they actually decent bikes?

Warning to new BF members ... the Gates of Hell have just opened...

Actually, if you are mechanically competent (and know the difference between wrench & hammer),
you will have no problem assembling a bike. If you are not comfortable ... just take it to the LBS.

LOL nice.
Mechanically I'd be fine, just never worked on a bike before. Can't be too hard.
If I stick to the Trek 4300, any thoughts on if the hydraulic discs are worth an extra $100.
Any other name brands I should look at? Should I wait and check out the new Gary Fisher Advance?
I also keep reading that the fork kinda sucks on the 4300. Supposedly it's too stiff. Any thoughts on that?