bike suggestions?

[lightbulbsun]

My H and I are looking to buy bikes for commuting and for recreation (mostly road, but some light trails and dirt paths). We're looking at hybrids, but I'm getting overwhelmed with all of the choices. 

We went to a couple of bike stores yesterday, and I tried a Giant Rove and a Specialized Ariel. I liked both of them, but I'm having a hard time deciding, especially since they're both around $600.  Does anyone have any experience with these models? Any other suggestions? I'm willing to spend money on something that will last, but I'd really rather keep it around $600 or less.   

Also, any suggestions for similar men's bikes?

[sadlebred]

See my bio for bike buying info. The best bike is the one that fits you and your budget. Don't forget your helmet!

[Susie]

Calvin & I used to have Trek 7.2fx (or is it fx7.2?) hybrids. I guess technically we still have them, but they're both out on long term loan to other people. They are probably pretty similar to what you are looking at.

They were nice tool around bikes, but the second I decided I wanted to actually train, "work out," and definitely race on a bike, I was all over getting a new road bike.

If the ones you've ridden feel the same and have similar components, they probably are pretty much the same. There's a certain amount of "don't reinvent the wheel" going on. You probably are not going to spend the hours and hours and hours on them that someone would on a road bike or tri bike with training, so a mm here or there will make less difference. If one feels a tiny bit more comfortable to you, pick that one. If you really can't decide, pick based on the service of the LBS, or something that speaks to you.

ETA:  this is the current version of what I had:  www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/town/fitness/fx/7_2_fx_wsd/#