Recreational & Family - K2 or Trek? (or Raleigh or Giant?)

I'm in the market for a hybrid bike and had almost settled on a Trek 7100 for about $270 when I notice that REI had the K2 Arcadia (regularly about $430) on sale for $300. I don't know much about bike components, but I guess I reason that I'll get a better deal with the K2. Does anyone have any advice about how to proceed? (BTW, I was also considering the Raliegh C30 and the Giant Cyprus).

In particular I'd like to hear anyone's experience with the K2 hybrids.

Thanks for the advice.

"Does anyone have any advice about how to proceed?"

Why does your choice have to be confined to a "new" bike??

There are millions of little used "used" bikes that bring
high quality for a small price. Do some reading here to learn
a bit about bikes before you plunk your money down for a new
bike, mate.

I can give you input in a Raleigh c30. Very much a "comfort" bike, upright seating position, on the heavy side, I have put about 1500 miles on this year, and it's stood up well. The tires have a greater amount of rolling resistance than a road bike (thus a hybrid). The nice part about it is that I have also done some light offroad riding, with great success. I rode the 30 mile MS Tour in Manhattan, and if not for my 10 year old, I could have ridden 60 miles no problem. I was not tired at the end, and I attribute alot to the positioning on the bike.

Tightwad is correct, you should consider a used bike. Many people begin but few finish. Good luck

I guess if you're in or near an urban area, there are used "name" bikes available. But, out here in the sticks, you normally don't have that luxury. So, just this past Sept., after some Internet research, I drove over to the nearest metropolis with an LBS and bought myself a Giant Cypress. I was just looking for a decent calorie burner. But, it didn't take long for the bike to become more. That daily ride has a way of hooking you. I just enjoy being out there on my wheel, doing the daily ride.

Anyway, back to the Cypress. I think for $250 (it's last years model) I got a nice machine with decent components. Plus, once I put a "slime" tube in the rear, it's been very dependable. I also noticed that it was easier to pedal if I keep the 700x35 tires inflated to max. It's not real fast, but I don't particularly care whether I go fast or not. If I want to do that, I throw a leg over the Harley - which, amazingly, I've done less of since getting this bicycle.