Getting ready to pull the trigger on this bike. Haven't bought a new bike since my 1998 GT Virage. I'd love any feedback on this particular bike from anyone owning one.
Also wondered if I should spend the <$100.00 more for the 2013. I basically think the only difference is Sram components to Shimano. Color of course is different too, but doesn't have a big effect.
Thanks in advance.

Search for posts from a guy called Igo. He has an Escape 0, and is very happy with it.

I came very close to ordering a 2013 Escape 0, but the dealer put me off. I really like the Escape though. I thought the bike rode well and was comfortable for me. If the dealer had not irritated me I would most likely own one now. In the end I ended up with a Coda Sport and really like it. Not sure if I like it over the Escape or vice versa, but the Coda is a great riding bike and kinda has that old school look.

Either the 2012 or 2013 Escape would be a great purchase. Good luck.

I have a 2012 Escape 0, and I purposely picked it over the 2013 because I prefer the white to black. The 2013 is 10 speed vs. 9, so that's a bit of an upgrade. But the 2012 uses SRAM X5, and I prefer the positive shifting of SRAM.

The big thing you ought to be able to do is deal with them. My LBS had 20% off on all 2012s, and I got the 2012 for $632, which was a friggin' score! At that price, I feel it just blows away the competition, as well as the 2013.

That gives you a lot of play money to buy a helmet, better grips, gloves, and maybe more aggressive tires if you are interested in those things.

Shameless chance to post a pic, even if it is a crappy iPhone one.
This bike is used mainly for family rides and pulling my son in his trailer. Sometimes, we stop at a playground and the wife watches the kids play. At that point, I disconnect the trailer and kill it for about 7-8 miles for half an hour or so. With the upgrades, it does well in a pinch. I have a kickstand to make trailer connecting easier, Ergon GC3s, and Specialized All Condition 700x28c tires that offer higher road performance, better acceleration, and less rolling resistance than the stock tires Giant gives you.

Congratulations noize4. You got one heck of a deal. How do you like the Ergon GC3s?

Love 'em, man. Took away my numbness issue.

Kind words but I commute on a 2012 Escape 1 with SRAM components. I like this better than either of my road bikes and commute 75 miles a week on it. Best shifting bike I've ever owned.
For ideas, see component list in my sig. I've included one of my favorite pics as well.