WSD Trek 7000, 7200, or recommendations

Hi All,

I'm getting back into riding after 17 years. Last bike was a mountain bike. I'm now older (43), 5'0'. I know nothing about bikes anymore so I need some advice.

I tried the 14" $359 Trek 7000 WSD at my LBS today. It seemed nice. This one has a rigid fork. The next one I liked was the $539 7200 WSD model. I didn't like the color on the middle 7100.

Questions: If I'm basically riding on the bike path in my neighborhood (a scenic path separate from the road) and the bumpy pavement and gravel shoulder of the main highway, would I need the 7200 for $200 more just to get the suspension?

Is Trek a good manufacturer? Are the 7000 and 7200 WSD good bikes?

Can anyone recommend a comparable model? I tried the Specialized Carmel, Vita, and Globe but I'm not too sure about these because the seats were uncomfortable and the Vita felt a little stretched out. THe other i might consider is the Trek Navigator.

Thanks everyone.


Frameset
Sizes Lowstep 14, 16, 18.5"
Frame Alpha White Aluminum
Fork High tensile steel, curved blades
Wheels
Wheels Alloy hubs; Matrix 550, 36-hole alloy rims
Tires Bontrager Select Invert, 700x35c; 27tpi
Drivetrain
Shifters SRAM MRX twist, 7 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano C102
Rear Derailleur Shimano TX51
Crank Shimano M151 48/38/28 w/chainguard
Cassette Shimano 14-34, 7 speed w/spoke protector
Pedals Nylon platform
Components
Saddle Bontrager Suburbia FIT
Seat Post Alloy adjustable suspension
Handlebars Bontrager Approved, steel, 50mm rise
Stem Alloy, adjustable rise
Headset Threaded w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Tektro V w/Tektro alloy levers, Kraton inserts

I just bought the Trek 7000 WSD. Thanks for looking