Giant Escape 3 vs Diamondback Insight 1

karankumar

Hey Guys!
First off, here are the links to both these bikes.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/escape.3.2015/18600/75994/
http://www.diamondback.com/bikes-road-performance-hybrid-insight-1

I'm going to buy my first hybrid and have narrowed down to these two bikes. I've read a bunch of articles/reviews and some other forum threads that talk about both these bikes individually, but none do a real one to one comparison. Can anyone help out with this, from an on-paper standpoint or if you've ridden them, your thoughts. My most crucial points are

1. The Diamondback has an 18" frame and the Giant has a 17". When i went to a bike shop, a 17" Nishiki frame fit me perfectly. I'm not sure about the 18" on the diamondback even though the standover height is lesser than the smaller framed Giant
2. I will never be able to test out the Diamondback as it is not available in a store near me. Will have to order it online through Performance Bicycle, have them assemble it for me. So is it okay to buy it based on the specs on paper?
3. The Diamondback retails for about $200 more than the Giant, so does that mean it has better parts? I' very new to riding!
4. Any experiences buying from performance bicycle vs a LBS?

Thanks a lot for this guys!

topdude

Hi, both look like fairly basic entry level hybrids, nothing much to choose between them.
As you are new to riding i suggest you go for the Giant from your LBS. More chance of getting the right size and having it set up to suit you. Also better after sales support.