Any bike can be a leisure bike if that is how you ride it. The Escape is classified by Giant as a Sport bike and not a leisure bike. The frames don't usually differ across the same model. The difference in price has to do with better components. The Trek 7.1 and 7.2 are two different models in their 7 Series and the reason for their different frames. If you are planning to upgrade components at a later time, you don't have to have a different frame to do so. As long as the frame geometry fits you, any components can be added later. The important thing when buying any bike is getting one that fits you, regardless of who makes it.

There are those who will tell you that Trek is the best bike on the planet and others will tell you that another brand is best. Bikes are like cars. Some swear by Ford, others by Chevy. The difference is that Ford makes Fords and GM makes Chevy. Bikes differ in that most of the bikes you find in bike shops are made by two companies; one in Taiwan and the other in China. I have two Giants. Not because they are any better than the other bikes, but because they just seem to fit me better than the other bikes.