Freaking BF ate my post.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...gen-4/p/35060/
---30 pounds, 63-mm fork, 2x8 Altus and Tourney, 46/30x11-32, mech disc brakes, 160 mm rotor, 40-mm tires, max 45-mm tires ….
https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2021-san-rafael-ds1
---no listed weight but I bet about the same as the Trek, exact same 63-mm fork, 2x7 gearing, 46-30x11-34, mech disc brakes, 160 mm rotor, 40 mm tires
These are practically identical bikes. The only real difference is a minor upgrade on the Trek's drive train, but foe what you want, it probably wouldn't matter (I guess.)
The real big difference is that you can get the Marin for about 15% cheaper, possibly. That extra cash can go to bottle cages and bottles, a rack, or a seat bag, a mini-pump and spare tube ... whatever. And if you wanted, somewhere down the road, you could possibly slap an 8-speed cassette and rear shifter on the thing ... not sure I would even bother.
These bikes are so similar, to me the issue is more, Which one do You like? If one has a better paint job or something ... that could be the deciding factor.
If money is a factor ... to me the Marin delivers 95% of the bike for 85% of the cost .... but that is based purely what on I see online, and I really have no idea.
Another key issue is, which bike shop treats you better? Since you will likely be going back for the occasional tune-up or cable replacement (if you don't do your own) then you want a shop which respects all its customers and not one where only the guys dropping ten grand on a bike every other year get good treatment.
Really tough choice ... glad it is your choice and not mine.