Help help help!
 

Hi everyone,

I've read so much my brain just can't take it anymore so I'm looking for experiences. Recently just started to ride again, probably doing 20 miles a week on the road and some riverside paths. I'm looking at a few bikes but I really don't know what the differences are but i'm just looking for the best overall bike for my budget. The choices are,

Giant Roam 3
Trek 7.2 FX
Specialized Sirrus Sport

If i can stretch my budget (probably can't)

Giant Roam 2
Specialized Sirrus Elite

Any help is much appreciate

Ride them all (preferably over the same type of terrain if not the same route). Your body will help narrow down the list some.

If all you're riding on is paved surfaces, I'd skip the Roam and take a look at the Escape instead...

+1 , agree with No1mad, the only way to KNOW you've got the right bike is to RIDE them all, the right one with "TALK" to you, you'll just feel a difference or it may just come down to a "color" you prefer most! Suspension really isn't needed UNLESS your going to spend say 40 to 50% of your riding time on dirt rail trails, jmho. Whatever you end up getting, ENJOY! :)

Without looking at the specs of the bikes, I can assure you they are very similar in that respect. Similar enough that I really wouldn't worry about the components so much. Ditch the suspension. It is unnecessary on the road, and often with lower end bikes the suspension fork isn't that great. Ride as many different models and brands as you can. Once you find a line you like (say the Trek FX or Giant Escape, etc) buy the highest level you can comfortably afford (and are willing to spend). One last thing, if you are buying this from an LBS, factor in the treatment you get. Fit is factor number one. Shop support is in the running for number two.