I am a long time runner looking to add some bicycling to my workouts for some cross training and I would also use the bike to commute back and forth to work when the weather is nice, about 2 miles each way. I went to the local bike shop today and test rode 2 bikes, a Giant Cypress ST and a 2008 model Trek Fx 7.2. The Giant was more comfortable, the Trek felt like it was faster. If the bikes were the same price, I would pick the Trek. With tax and everything the Trek would cost me $490, the Giant $305. The salesperson acted like the Trek was quite a bit more bike and was steering me that way but I never trust a salesperson when they are steering you towards the more expensive item. Is the Trek $200 more bicycle than the Giant? Would the Giant suffice for workouts or do I need a faster bike like the Trek?

I think they are both good bikes I just don't want to buy a bike that's not going to do what I want to do nor do I want to buy a $500 bike when a $300 one will work. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

The Giant is plenty fine for a 2 mile commute, but if you wanted to take a 20 mile ride for a workout I think the Trek would be more fun and comfortable.

If the Trek felt like it was faster then it probably was - which means that with the Giant you will probably have to work harder to attain the same speed. I don't know if that is true or not it is simply the way I see it. Therefore the Giant might offer you a harder workout (not necessarily a better workout).

I bought a 7.3 last year for my commute (was looking at the 7.2) and do not regret my choice and spending the extra money. The bike is fast for my commute and I enjoy it for weekend rides also. My commute is 12 miles round trip and weekend rides can be a bit longer. I'm looking to change handlebars as they aren't the most comfortable around.

What exactly is making the Giant a more comfortable bike to ride?

The Giant was more upright, which I think made it feel more comfortable but at the same time I think would make it tougher to go fast. It also had a wider seat, which is minor, and the ride felt smoother with respect to bumps in the pavement.

Honestly the comfort factor is minor to me. The only drawback to the Trek was the price, I really liked everything else about it better, it was just more than I was looking to spend. I am leaning towards the Trek because I think the more I like the bike, the more likely I am to get on it.

I don't know if Trek Fx 7.2 has the same seat as Trek 7000. I had Trek 7000 for a couple days and the seat didn't feel good. Also, I could feel every bump in the pavement. Actually, I returned the Trek today because of the size (too big for me) and I took Giant Cypress DX for a test ride in the parking lot of the store. The seat felt much better than Trek 7000. They didn't have Giant Cypress (regular). I know that Cypress DX has "improved" seat over the "regular" Cypress, but couldn't compare it. They ordered the "regular" Giant Cypress and once they get it, I'll have a chance to see if the whole bike feels really good and then decide.

More on that you can see in my thread about Giant Cypress.