So I finally got to test-ride this, and I ended up ordering it

Thanks all for the advice so far - and I apologize for the yoyoing I did when discussing potential purchases. I finally found an LBS that I liked (and I have visited far too many now!) and he called me after he built an Escape. I should get mine on Monday, and pics will follow

As I had posted, I had decided to order from BikesDirect, and take my chance on the order. I don't have a lot of wrenching experience w.r.t bikes, but I planned to learn. My wife dissuaded me on this plan - she was really uncomfortable with the idea of me out on a bike that I had put together myself, with my limited knowledge. It was a safety issue, and since she has been extremely supportive about my bike commute so far, I agreed.

Waiting for Monday now

Small world? I have a Giant Escape 2 in the XL size coming also, will be delivered to my LBS late this week. Looks like a great bike for the price.

Been riding mine for several months now and, aside from it feeling a bit heavy and non-round frame that makes holding it while I carry a bit awkward, I'm loving it

I was looking at the Giant Escape and Giant Escape City earlier this year. They're nice bikes but I ended up getting a Giant Rapid 2 because it also came in the M/L size.

I just bought a Giant Escape (getting ready to start my commute home on it right now). I have a Small (I'm 5'6") and love it.

Who knows your wife just might have saved your life!

Be thankful of her and show her much love and appreciation!

Be thankful for your bride. Mine would've looked at the sales price at the LBS and would've (and has) balked.

I do, everyday I would have been a mess otherwise.

I traded an older bicycle (a Trek 520 from 1985) straight across for my new Escape 2 so no cash is involved this time. However, people that are not bicyclists - especially wives that have a vested interest in financial security - always balk when they see the prices of new bikes. The $420 Escape 2 seems inexpensive to us because we know the prices of bikes these days. But to the uninitiated it still sounds like a lot of money for a "toy". And puh-lease don't let your wife know the cost of quality lighting! lol

Excellent choice! We are currently all sold out of Giant Escapes, Giant Roams and Giant Seeks. Lots of other brands and models still on the floor, but those ones are a lot of bike for the money and went fast.

I think everybody here knows how pleased I am with my Escape 1. It just fits so well. We've seen many adventures already. I'm glad for all you folks. And I just gotta stick this picture in here for a teaser for those of you waiting on your orders.

Got it! The LBS called this afternoon and I went and picked it up. The rest of the afternoon I set it up: I took off the reflecters, installed rear lights (a NiteRider CherryBomb and a Cygolight HotShot), front light (NiteRider 1500 Race), computer, a wedge under the seat with spare tube/patch kit, and frame pump (Topeak Road Morph). Next paycheck I'm going to buy it a set of Conti Gatorskins. I didn't ride it yet because it's after dark on Saturday Night and all the drunks are out. First ride will be tomorrow afternoon. The machine weighed 29 pounds nekked when I got it home (scientific bathroom scale method - stand on scale, look at weight, pick up bike, note change in weight). I'll post pictures here and at my blog tomorrow - - What a great time to be a bicyclist, they make even the inexpensive bikes excellently.

*grr*
My LBS is closed Saturdays and Sundays. I think he prefers his bike rides to his business
Gratz on the bike, and photos soon please!

I've never heard of a LBS being closed on a Saturday until now.

I stand corrected. Must be just this weekend. website says open on Sunday as well, but he distinctly told me he was closed ob the weekend.

I wasn't trying to correct you; there was no way I could know, but I was amazed to hear that. Anyway, get over there and pick it up. No excuses now! : )

Took it out on its maiden voyage today! Its strong and fast, but not as comfortable as The Rig. I haven't given it a name yet, but I'm thinking about the "Dark Knight" - - On the front is a NiteRider 1500 Pro Race; on the rear a NiteRider CherryBomb and the Cygolight HotSpot; and a Topeak Road Morph frame pump.

Nice looking bike
My bike is delayed one more day - LBS still hasn't got delivery. He'd sold out the model when I bought it - that was the reason for Monday delivery (I mixed up the weekend off and Monday delivery stuff). So one more day To cap it off, I had to come in the car today, since it was due for the first courtesy checkup.

Very nice.. I will post up some photos when I have my accessories on later this week..

I also have the giant escape 2, its a nice commuter. Put 120 miles on it last week. Need to get it tuned up this week though.