The Giant dealer was a well known cycle shop in the area but the sales personel were not super friendly. Could have been because they specialize in high end road bikes im not sure. Both Giant models I tried used the same style shifter, but like you said could have been out of adjustment. I would like to try the Jamis Coda (gf has a Jamis Hudson, seems nice) but I havent been able to find a local Jamis dealer that carries them.

Next time I visit the Trek store I plan to test all 3 models. Their staff is super friendly and let me cruise around the block all I wanted.