Giant or Specialized

[KeithE]

I like them both - both brands, along with Trek, are the standards of the industry. I would choose based on the dealer.
I've spent just a little over twelve thousand on Giant bikes in the past year or so - that should tell you something. LOL
IMO, the yamaha drive is the best of the best out there. It has the best reputation for reliability. Specialized and Trek, brose and bosch respectively, make up for their shortcomings with great warranty programs.

Thank you for your comment.
The Trek dealers have been very good. There aren't any Verve 3 around. I test rode the Dual Sport and that was better.
The prices are close with the brands but Trek is more and you get less.
I'm now leaning towards the Gazelle Model T9.

 

[Browneye]

Gazelle looks like a standard type comfort bike. Lots of comparables, like treks townie line, yeah the verve, giant rogue worth a look, spesh como, even rad power city or ride 1 up.
Pack on the back rack is really old-tech.

Don't get too hung up on price as it is soon forgotten.

Test ride as many bikes as you can stand to. Choose your dealer carefully - can make or break your ownership experience.

Our Amiti is up for sale if there's any interest - 265 miles on it. Size M.

 

[Kayakguy]

Thanks for all your responses. The other concern was the handle bars. I like a slightly pulled back and upright style. The Specialized has a slight bend and not pulled back enough and not much of a rise. I think a good comfortable riding position for me is a little leaning forward and sometimes upright. I don't like to reach to far forward. More test riding coming up.

The Ariel Rider C class is a step through with IGH. About $1800. But I don't know if they have any LBS outlets so you could try one. I bought one last Sept., and it arrived in less than a week. But their website says sold out for now.