In the same boat - deciding against a 2014 7.2 and a new 2015 escape 2. LBS is doing the 2014 7.2 for $470 + $50 giftcard that can be used on the extended warranty vs the 2015 Escape 2 for $430. Not even considering the 2015 7.2 cause the 2014 is superior.

Test driving both - for sure the escape 2 felt much faster due to the weight. However the shifting was a little shady, the gears weren't catching.....but they tell me that that's normal and you need to reel in the cables after buying. This was happening to my GF too on the 2015 Women's.

Not sure what to go for......to me the Escape 2 feels better, but the trek has better parts. For $500 out the door, + an extra $70 (with $50 giftcard)I can have a bike with 3 years accidental warranty which covers everything, vs $450 out the door for the Escape 2.

IF the trek was MSRP there would be no doubt I would go for the Escape, but seeing as the 2014 7.2 is on sale.....it makes it a tougher decision.

Anyone know how good the "puncture resistant tires" really are on the Trek? Also as stated above, the Crank is different on the Escape vs the 7.2......how does the SR Suntour NEX compare to the Shimano? What would you guys do?