Test ride the Giants in different sizes to see how the comfort compares with the Merano. If there is no significant difference, be happy with your Merano. If you want to make the bike a bit easier rolling you could change the tires to ones 32 mm wide when the current ones wear out. A new saddle may improve comfort. I suspect the one on the Merano is too soft. A firmer one which carries your weight through your sit-bones would be more comfortable - this may cost $30. Get a few bike tools, since you are not close to a bike shop - you dont want to be stuck with them out of adjustment. A set of metric hex keys, spoke wrench, tire levers, patch kit and pump. Park Tool's and Sheldon Brown's websites will tell you all you need to know about using them.