I was pretty much making the same decision. Roam 2 to me is just one of the best values in entry level bicycles. To get similar components from Trek Cannondale or Specialized you're looking at $150-200 extra at retail prices. Just depends if you really want that much bike. I was also comparison shopping the 2014 Crosstrail disc which was available at $570 a couple of months ago in my area. That's also a nice bike but be sure to compare geometry as they are different -- I'm guessing one will be a better fit for you than the other. My Giant dealer offered the same lifetime service as yours. I also felt like the Giant was better in several areas -- better quality derailleur (also 9speed vs 8speed), shifters, and fork, not to mention hydraulic vs mechanical disc brakes. It really just depends on how much you value the upgrades and what your upper spending limit is. To improve on the Roam 2 you're looking at a major frame upgrade, major fork upgrade, or a major brake upgrade to something like Shimano, which is usually a $400+ jump in retail to get all of those together if they're important. I also really liked the 8.3DS, just a few dollars more than the Crosstrail Disc and similar components; would probably have picked that over the Crosstrail just based on color choices if the Giant hadn't worked out. Roam 3 is just a terrific deal if it fits what you're looking for. It was available for $430 end of season here.