Marin, Trek, Specialized-Which has better Components?

[mogi]

Hi, I've been test riding bikes and finally narrowed it down to 3.

1.Marin Kentfield WSD
2.Trek 7.2 FX WSD Step Through
3. Specialized Vita Step Through

I'm a newbie to components and I've ridden all of these bikes and love them all. They are all within the same price range. So I was wondering which bike has the better components overall?

Thanks in advance!

[Arrowana]

I think the 7.2 sounds a little better, with the Alivio RD standing out. Though with the same shifters on all, the difference probably won't be noticeable. I'd pick the Trek or Specialized over the Marin because they have an 8 speed rear vs 7.

[SlimRider]

I think the 7.2 sounds a little better, with the Alivio RD standing out. Though with the same shifters on all, the difference probably won't be noticeable. I'd pick the Trek or Specialized over the Marin because they have an 8 speed rear vs 7.

+1 ^ AGREED!

[catonec]

I like the vita, the 7.2 then the marin in that order, no particular reason as to why. I think performance wise they are all in the same ballpark.

[jsdavis]

The 7.2 looks better than the Marin, but if you are going to compare, why not compare bikes that cost about the same? That Marin is about 75% the cost of the Trek 7.2 FX so you do get what you pay for to some extent.

[mogi]

Thanks everyone for your input! jsdavis, the bikes I'm looking at are pretty much all in the same price range. They are on sale at my LBS. The Trek is going for $475, the Specialized $450, and the Marin $479 (before 10% discount).

[Igo]

My Giant Escape 1 shifts better than any bike I have ever owned. Amazingly so. SRAM X4 components.
This bike is Giant's direct answer to the 7.2 . Worth a serious look.
Women's step through version can be had new for $380.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....w/8909/48621/