I found a shop not too far away that offers me an alternative (Giant) as opposed to the Treks & Specialized @ my LBS. I was considering the Trek 7.4 FX and the Specialized Sirrus Sport or Elite.

The Giant bikes that caught my attention are-

Escape 0 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...specifications - $850.

Escape 1 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...specifications - $640.

I mainly ride paved back roads on flat terrain with some occasional hills; usually 25 - 40 miles per ride. I don't expect to ride more than 600 miles/year.

Considering my type of riding, would you recommend the Escape 0 or Escape 1?
Considering the components (which I know nothing about) is the Escape 0 worth the extra $210. more than the Escape 1?

thank you

The only way to know is to go ride them. All the other questions become trivial at that point.

Unfortunately all the brands, models, and/or sizes are not necessarily available for test riding in my area...it's hit or miss.
I mainly would like to know if the 0 is worth $210. more than the 1 considering the components.

Most likely. It might be nice depending on your fitness level to have another gear, and the Deore may feel a little better than the lower end components. The cranks look lighter. Have your ridden any of the Treks or Specialized already?

Value is in the eyes of the beholder. Ride them all and buy the one that feels the most comfortable to you. I was all set to buy a Specialized last year and rode a Giant Escape 3 also at the same LBS. I found the Giant to be more comfortable, so I bought it. Even though the Giant was $450 less, money was not the deciding factor. I just liked the feel of it. You may find the Trek or Specialized feels better. I ride around 150 miles each week on pavement and I'm still happy with my choice.

I'd save the money and get the Escape 1. That's what I ride and I love it. Escape 0 may be a bit nicer but I don't know I think Escape 1 is all you need. Very nice bike. It's up to you. You may like the colors or something different too.

Yes, I rode the 7.3 FX and the Sirrus Sport & Elite. Neither shouted "buy me"! so I'm considering other alternatives outside my immediate LBS.

That's sort of what I am considering...the 1 may be all I need since I don't put that much mileage on. Color is really a non-factor; I'm mainly concerned with performance, reliability, and durability.

I think the Escape 1 is plenty good enough. I have an Escape 2 and love it! The Escape 0-3 are all entry level hybrid bikes anyway.

I'd get the Escape 1 and make one change-
Get a narrower range cassette, such as a 12-23/25.
That will give you more "usable" gears without the wide gaps between them.

Maybe you'll enjoy the bike that much more that you'll ride a lot more miles than you expect.

A 2nd change I personally would make is going to a slightly smaller tire, such as a 28mm.