Trek v. Giant
 

I'm trying to decide between a Trek 7.3 FX versus a Giant FCR3, but I don't know how to evaluate the components; the bikes cost about the same:
Giant - Butted aluminum frame with chromoly fork with the Giant Compact Road Design; front derailleur Shimano R443, rear Shimano Altus; alloy crank 30/42/52T; cassette SRAM PG-830 11-28RT; tires Kenda Kwest 700x28 with alloy double wall rims.
Trek - Hydroformed aluminum wiht alloy taper guage forks; front derailleur Shimano C102, rear Shimano Deore; crank Shimano M341 48/38/28; cassette Shimano HG40 11-30 8 speed; tires Bontrager Race Lite hardcase 700x32 with Bontrager Camino rims.
What's the better bike? I'm a sprint triathlete newbie just turning 50 so want to stay in this "beginner" price range. I'll ad clips and bar ends aftermarket.
Thanks!

I'm not sure how much help we will be in here since I doubt that many of us ride flat-bar bikes. That would not be my choice but I don't like to be someone who thinks they know better. If you really do not want to get a road bike and are set on a flat-bar...maybe this thread will help http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=125990 I found it in the commuting forum and seems to be a similar question. Good luck!

Flat Bar
 

Thanks for the feedback. The flat bar is a comfort issue due to lower back soreness while riding.