Recreational & Family - Newbie Questions - Giant and Trek

My wife and I are looking to buy new bikes. I came across this forum when starting to do some research and have found it to be very informative. One thing I've learned from here and talking to others is to go through a LBS.

We haven't ridden consistently in quite a while. We'll primarly be riding 1-2 times per week on the streets, paved bike paths, and hard packed dirt trails. I'd also be pulling a 2 seat child trailer. I've narrowed the decision down to Giant and Trek. Given our budget and riding plans, the sales guy at the Giant shop recommended that the Sedona for me and a Cypress for my wife. He said that the difference in tires would allow her to keep up with me easier when we ride. Using the same logic for Trek, I'd be looking at a Navigator 100 for me and a 7100 for her.

We plan on taking the test rides early next week. But I have some questions before doing so:

Does this logic from the sales guy make sense?
Are there any issues with pulling the child trailer with any of these bikes?
Given that I'm a bigger guy (250 lbs.), is a bike with wider tires like the Sedona or Navigator better for me than a Cypress or 7100?
For anyone who was looking at these same bikes, what made you choose one over the other? I know that feel/comfort of the bike and LBS customer service are the key factors, but were there any other considerations?
Given our situation, what accessories should we try to get discounts on at the time of purchase?

Sorry for asking so many questions, but I want to make a wise purchase. Any response or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm your guy, We just bought 3 bikes.

Trek 1700 for me, love it
Giant Cypress for my wife, she likes it I think the Trek stands above it.
Trek Navigator 100 my daughter, couldn't convince her to get the thinner rubber.

I cannot see getting the Navigator unless it's better for the trailer? I do not know about that.
The thinner the tires the less effort to pedal hence the better your enjoyment.
all these bikes were almost the same price $300.00-320.00
I bought my daughters about 2 weeks before I got mine, like you I had not ridden in a long time, I thought the Navigator was great, effortless to pedal. After I had ridden my 7100 a few times I took the Navigator out for 15 minutes, WOW I could not believe how hard it was to get going and how much harder it was to pedal.
If you are pulling a trailer I wouldn't worry about your wife keeping up with you. Do yourself a favor and ride these bikes before you buy. The Navigator might seem very comfortable at first but on a longer ride you would see the difference. When you ride the 7100 or Cypress you will no doubt see the ease of pedaling compared to the Navigator. the only reason we did get the Giant is I wanted to use another LBS so as not to be dealing with only one, and my wife likes the Giant better.
If you really look at all these hybrids out there now they are all almost the same anyway, the running gear is all the same in quality, the whole bike is for that fact, but I think the Trek is by far the better of the two brands. Give it hell!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck, Tony

I'd stick with the Hybrids and ditch the comfort bikes. The wife got a 7100 and I got a 7200 - I think they ride easier than the 100. Most importantly, ride them for yourselves!

bought 3 bikes should read Trek 7100 for me

T :D