Hi everyone,
I'm trying to understand what I should choose between a Trek 8.5 ds and a merida big nine 40-d. These are my only two options, as I need to get it from a local shop here in Italy, and these are the only two which come in a large enough size (I'm about 195-200, or I think 6'4 in feet). Of course they come at different price points (about 750 for the Trek and 530 for the Merida), but the shop which sells the trek would be willing to shave off 200 if I sell them the Specialized (I think HR-XC) that I won't be using anymore. I settled on these two because 1. I don't have many options, 2. I got used to a hybrid since middle school as I live in a pretty broken gravel road and wouldn't want to worry about jumping down from footpaths, 3. I don't need to go fast or use as little energy as possible as I literally commute on a bike to stay in shape.
About my daily commute, I use it for 45 minutes in the morning to get to school and the same to get home.
Since I'm not exactly 100% on the exact trek model, I thought I'd attach a pic since I was too stupid to take a picture of the specs while in shop.(NOPE, not allowed till I have 10 posts. not sure how to fix that)
Really, I'm not looking for much except for a bigger bike, but riding makes me feel good so the longer I could use it the better!
Thank you in advance!

Are we talking these two bikes?
https://www.evanscycles.com/trek-8-5...-bike-EV242067
https://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/...40-d-9138.html

The Merida is a low end hardtail 29er MTB, while the Trek is a mid-range hybrid. That means the Merida has more front suspension travel (100mm vs 63mm - which hardly matters for commuting) and bigger tires, but Trek would have better components, and would probably be a bit lighter. The Trek also has higher gearing, but going from your post it seems that also wouldn't matter much in your case. Theoretically, it should be a no-brainer - Trek 8.5 DS all the way, if you can get it for the same price. But ultimately what matters most is which one fits you better - take them both out for a test ride and see how they feel to you.

Yep I do believe that's the Trek I'm talking about. Thank you for your reply! If they're open I'll try it out tomorrow, and surely like the Trek enough to forget about the colour (still red as the specialized I'm selling, tired of red).
If I can, what's the difference between a hardtail MTB and a hybrid? I know very little about bikes even though I use them everyday.
thanks!

Actually the difference is not that much, if we're talking about hybrids with with front suspension, which are rather close to MTB's. A hardtail MTB will have lower gearing, more compact frame, more suspension travel at the front, and will have/be able to accommodate wider tires. Probably also, especially from mid-range and up no fender and rack mounts. Many of hybrids use the same drivetrain components and brakes as MTB's.