I'm a beginner bike rider (Haven't riden a bike in 10 years). I am planning on riding about 8 miles a day back and forth to work. I'am a 32 yr old male looking to get some physical activity into my life. Since I am a beginner, I am looking for a road bike on a budget ($300-500), with an ambition to upgrade in future if I end up liking it. After some online research and visiting a couple shops I am down to two choices:
1. Giant Escape 3 giant-bicycles.com/us/escape-3-2016 $360
2. Trek fx 2 trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/city-bikes/fitness-bikes/fx/fx-2/p/1323010-2017/ $520

Both have good reviews and is good for beginners. I rode both and felt the Trek to be smoother in terms of gear ****ing, lighter and better gripping handles. That being said, Giant was not bad by any means. I just felt a bit more smoother with Trek.

Should I spend the extra 160 bucks and get the trek bike or save the money and stick with Giant? Advise please.