Actually those suspension forks Giant, and others use in many of their entry level bikes do have hydraulic damping if they have a hydraulic lockout. One leg is the hydraulic damper that may be adjustable or lock, The other a spring with an adjustable preload and sometimes lock. Admittedly not the best set-up for say jumping off rocks, But perfectly fine for recreational riders. Those expensive ones likely have an adjustable spring, either air or steel, and an adjustable damper on each leg, as well as more travel.
Even the best suspension forks still change the geometry of the bike some when they work. Again, fine for recreational riders and jumping off rocks, But if your in a tight road race group going down hill at 40 mph in a curve on 25mm tires and have to brake, This might not be good. They probably do have suspension systems that work in this situation, But are much less intrusive then the conventional suspension forks you see on hybrid or mountain bikes.
Of the 3 bike the op is considering, The Specialized Cross Trail has the best suspension fork that has variable damping that allows the fork to almost simulate a rigid fork on little bumps, Improving peddling efficiency (over conventional sus forks) and soaks up potholes when necessary. Pretty cool if it works as advertised.
Last edited by xroadcharlie; 08-20-19 at 06:52 AM.