2EXTREME

1st post here from Metro Detroit.
I am looking to get back into riding a bike. I will be mostly riding on paved roads, but might go ride at parks and along paths.
I wont be jumping tree stumps or boulders, but would like to feel confident on a gravel road or path.
The bikes that I am considering are:

Specialized Sirrus Elite (I love that the cables go through the frame)
Specialized Sirrus Sport disc (I like the idea of having disk brakes)
Specialized Sirrus Elite Disc (is it worth $200.00 more than the Sport Disk??)
Giant Roam 2
Fuji Traverse 1.3 D

Any other bikes I should add to that list? Which do you recommend? Whats the best bang for the buck?
I would like to add on fenders and a rear rack.
I am making myself crazy with this decision....any advice?
Thanks!

Wanderer

Normally, I would say higher is better - but in this case, I think the Sport Disc Sirrus is the best buy. Reason, is the triple, and 9 spd cassette. The triple gives you more gears, to enable you to find the perfect gear to ride in, and the 9spd gives you economy of maintenance - 9 spd stuff is cheaper. The Sirrus is kind of noted as being fender friendly, and capable of accepting wider than OEM tires..

camjr

It really just comes down to how much you want to spend, how they fit you, and how they "feel". The bikes you mention (Specialized, Giant, and Fuji) are all quality bikes with quality components.

Having said that, the Specialized Sirrus bikes you mention are in a different category than the Giant Roam or Fuji Traverse. The Roam and Traverse are designed to be more capable off of paved roads with wider, more agressive tires and suspension forks (lockout forks). The Specialized Sirrus is more of a road bike with non-suspension forks and narrower street tires. The Specialized Crosstrail would compete with the Giant Roam and Fuji Traverse. Likewise, the Fuji Absolute and Giant Escape lines would compete with the Specialized Sirrus line.

Clear as mud?

2EXTREME

Thanks! You helped clarify things.
I think I will start a new post with specs from 2 finalists.
The Specialized Sirrus Sport Disk, and the Navara Big Buzz.
Thanks