Very little difference in price

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/....w/9320/49926/

https://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/...name=Multi+Use

Has the prospective rider taken both bikes for a good test ride yet? I would suggest that as a starting point. The links are not working for me so I will try them from something other than a droid.

Am going to see the vita this week but no local shops have the rx2 to view...

Hi. The links don't work from a laptop either. If possible you might want to look further away for the rx2 for a test ride. I say this because the way a bike fits and feels can't be gotten from pictures and a list of specifications. I remember taking three similar looking Cadex roadbikes for a spin and picking the one I thought would be last simply because it felt better on the road.

Apologies, have reviewed the links, should work now.

Will try and test both but votes/ advice on experience and spec would be most appreciated

You said the Giant costs about £40 (about $60 U.S., I think) more. The value you're getting for the money for each of them seems pretty close to me. The Giant seems to me to be the better bike--somewhat better parts overall, so if you don't mind spending the extra £40, that would be the one to get, IMHO. You do need to test ride them both though because one or the other may just strike you as right.

Spec looks better as for a woman's bike

If the Escape is not available to view, I wouldn't lament over it. I'd just get the Vita, if it felt like a comfortable and enjoyable bicycle.

Of course, there are other bicycles out there, as well. If the Vita doesn't suit you, just checkout Raleigh, Jamis, or Trek!

- Slim

PS.

Comfort trumps everything else!

Very, very comparable. With either you're getting a very good frame/fork set, with comparable materials technology. The Giant as said above probably has slightly better components for the price, but that shouldn't be determinative. What should decide you is which one fits you better and 'feels' better to you to ride/look at etc.
I have two bikes, one Giant (mtb) and one Specialized (Sirrus, the men's version of the Vita); in my view you wouldn't go wrong with either of your choices provided always that the fit is correct.

The only difference I could spot was the cassette gearing was slightly wider on one than the other. Either bike should aloow you sufficiently low gearing for any conceivable situation. I voted for the Giant bike simply because I own two of their products. To be honest I think they are quite similar in specification and are from reputable companies. Do take the time to test ride before buying if possible.

You said Raleigh is an option, right? Have you considered this one?

https://www.raleigh.co.uk/PRODUCTTYPE...&pt=14&pg=7879

It may be more road oriented than what you're wanting, but it's probably in the same price range and looks pretty decent.

I chose the Giant, simply because the specs seemed just slightly better. As others have mentioned though, it's all about comfort, so try and ride both to see which works best for you. Good luck!