Originally Posted by
no1mad
Personally, I wouldn't pay the so called 'Trek Tax' at that price point. IMO, even the base
Giant Escape 2 would be a better value. However, what you really should be doing is concentrating on a LBS that you feel you can trust. Then you can pick something that they have to offer, as virtually all brands sell similar types of bikes at any given price point.
+1 and ride them first! Looking at MSRP there is only $50.00 difference between the Trek 7.1 and the Giant Escape 2 and you may be able to find a last year left over in either brand and get a better deal. I don't think I would let $50.00 stand in the way of any bike if I liked the way it rode.