I picked up my new Giant Escape City on Monday. It shifts like butter. Very pleasant ride. It took a few rides to get used to the flat bar hand position, but now I'm enjoying it. Very stable, good grip with the stock tires. I was worried about how skinny they are, but they deal with water and sand very well. The fenders work surprisingly well, too. I plowed through a bunch of deep puddles today and only my feet got splattered.
On the down side, the saddle is uncomfortable. I think I'll replace it with one like I have on my road bike. And both of the plastic bits that hold the rear fender struts on broke today for no good reason. I think my LBS may have cranked them down too tight, but the design seems flaky.
Other than that, I'm so in love with this bike. I bought some panniers for it tonight, and earlier this week I gave it a headlight and a u-lock. I feel like I could go anywhere on it and do anything.