Looking for recommendations. I haven’t had a bike in 10 years, since the old Huffy that was left outside year round in Michigan at college. I haven’t ridden since then and never been on anything nicer aside from a quick ride on an old Gary Fisher.

I’d like to pick up a bike to just ride again. Subdivision, metropark, and campground will be 99% of what I’m riding for now. Almost always paved, but it’ll be rough at time. I’ll also be pulling a bike trailer for my daughter much of the time.

I’d like a quality bike that’ll last me a decade, but know I don’t necessarily need anything too fancy. Through endless research I’d landed at options from Trek being the FX1 or DS1. The local bike shop also recommended a DS1. Yesterday I went in to order one, but they no longer have the 2018 DS1 in my size. I ordered a 2019 Dual Sport 1, but it’s not the color frame I’d prefer and I left without the warm and fuzzies. Also ordered a 2018 Niko 1 for my wife as I’d like for her to have something comparable. Now I’m second guessing it, but I don’t know if it’s a little sticker shock. I know good bikes don’t come cheap, but I wasn’t planning to spend $1,100 between the two either.

Giant bikes are 15% off now, so I was considering switching to the Roam 3. Any real difference? Any other suggestions for my intended rides and hopefully keeping budget to the $350-400 range per bike opposed to $500+?

Really appreciate the help.

A couple years ago I did a similar thing. Wanted a new bike for both my wife and I. Looked at a few brands in the style I wanted and compared prices. I involved my wife in the process since I wanted to ride with her. Test drove (rode?) a few and made the decision based on the feel of the bike and the service reputation of the bike shop since I’m not smart enough to work on it myself. My conclusion was that there wasn’t much difference between name brand bikes in the similar price range, just minor advantages/disadvantages depending on personal preferences. So, if you like the Giant and it’s discounted 15%, buy it. But, if you’re only buying it because of the discount you may regret it later when it sits in the garage unused if you really don’t like it as much as another similar bike from a different manufacturer. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the replies. I went to another bike shop on recommendation and they were fantastic to work with. Ended up with a pair of Specialized that we’re really happy with. Ended up paying the little bit higher price, but I was ok with that having confidence in the assistance we received and backing of the bike shop. I think our biggest turn off and questions from my original post came from the lack of help and knowledge at the previous bike shop.