Not sure why my last post didn't show up, would it be because of the links?

Anyways, thanks to this forum, instead of surprising my wife with a bike for Christmas, I took her to a few different shops and she liked the hybrids the best and two bikes - the Trek Verve 2 and the Diamondback Vital 2. Now the Verve 2 is about $160 more than the Vital 2, ($475 v $260 [plus $50 build fee]) and am I trying to determine if it is worth it to get the Trek, or am I just paying for the name? Both bicycles seem to have the basic components, which I expected for the intro level bike.

Any thoughts or opinions on the two to help a newbie out?

(Skipping the links this time)


Trek Verve 2 -
SPECIFICATIONS

FRAMESET

FrameAlpha Gold Aluminum, Stagger type, DuoTrap S compatible, rack & fender mounts
ForkAlloy w/lowrider mounts
WHEELS

WheelsFormula FM21 alloy hubs; Bontrager AT-750 double-walled alloy rims
Front HubFormula FM21 alloy
Rear HubAlloy
RimsBontrager AT-750 double-walled alloy
TiresBontrager H5, 700x45c
DRIVETRAIN

ShiftersShimano EF500, 8 speed
Front derailleurShimano Tourney TY71
Rear derailleurShimano Altus M310
CrankForged alloy, 48/38/28 w/chainguard
Bottom bracketSealed cartridge
CassetteShimano HG31, 11-32, 8 speed
COMPONENTS

SaddleBontrager padded
SeatpostAlloy, adjustable suspension, 27.2mm
HandlebarBontrager alloy, 25.4mm, 15mm rise
StemBontrager alloy, 31.8mm, adjustable rise, Blendr compatible
Headset1-1/8", semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings
BrakesetTektro alloy linear-pull
WEIGHT

Weight16" - 12.52 kg / 27.60 lbs


Diamondback Vital 2:

SPECS
Frame DB 6061-T6 Aluminum Sport Hybrid w/ formed tubes, replaceable derailleur Hanger
Fork Sport Comfort suspension 63mm travel
Cranks Comfort Steel Arm w/chainguard, 28/38/48t
Bottom Bracket Square Taper - 5pc
Front Derailleur Shimano TX51
Rear Derailleur Shimano TX-55
Shifter Shimano EF-51 7spd
Brake Levers Shimano EF-51
Brakes Tektro Linear
Cogset Shimano 7spd MegaRange Freewheel (14-34t)
Rims 32h SSW700 Double Tunnel Alloy
Tires Kenda Cross 700x40c
Pedals Diamondback Comfort Platform
Handlebar Steel 50mm Riser
Stem High Rise w/ Alloy Cap
Seatpost Alloy Suspension 27.2mm
Seat DB Deluxe Hybrid Double Density Base
Headset Threaded 1 1/8"
Chain KMC-Z51
Front Hub 32h Alloy QR
Rear Hub 32h Alloy QR
Spokes 14g
Grips Diamondback Dual Density Comfort Grip
Extras Owner’s Manual