I have been reading for a while to educate myself prior to making a purchase. I also went back and forth between different LBS to get a feel for themselves and their product/line. However I am a novice and looking forward to get involved in biking.

I would like to ask for help in deciding which bike I would get next.

Cannondale Quick CX2
Trek 8.5 DS
Norco XFR 2

Norco is a bit cheaper ( did not like XFR1).



Cheers

My vote goes for the Cannondale Quick!

I think the Trek 8.5 has slightly better components, remote lockout of the fork, and more fork travel. The price of the Trek is also cheaper but I would test ride both and see which one fits better.

What type of riding will you be doing?

The CX2 and the D.S. 8.5 is about the same. The D.S. just has slightly better components. Can't go wrong with either. The XR2 has lower end components when compare to the other two.

Light trails... and roads.

Both bikes will be fine for that. Did you test ride either of them at the LBS? If you are just going by the spec sheet then my money would go towards the Trek because I believe you get more for less money. Also see what kind of vibe you are getting from the LBS--sometimes it pays to go with the bikeshop that wants to find the right bike for you and not just make the sale.