Giant Dash - anyone ride or anyone tried this bike?

[hebe]

I'm really interested in this one, but the LBS don't have it in stock so would have to order it in. There is plenty online about the Specialized Vita, which is my other choice, but not so much on the Dash. I'm looking at the Dash 4 (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/dash.4/9352/49924/)

I have my Marin for errands and my HardRock for towing/offroad, so this one would essentially be for fun. I'd appreciate any experiences/comments, please and thank you.

[hebe]

Anyone? I'm going to the bike shop tomorrow :D

[Catrin]

Ooooh, have fun! I've no advice regarding your choices but have fun checking out the bikes!

[WindingRoad]

Hebe if this were for me I would probably bump up to the Dash 2 if at all possible because some of the components on the Dash 4 are relatively low end. If you are planning a lot of miles for this bike you would probably be money ahead to go ahead and get upgraded derailleurs, rims etc. Just a thought but I totally understand if money is a deciding factor. ;)

[hebe]

Thanks Catrin, Winding Road. I am really looking forward to my morning!

Winding Road, sadly the Dash 2 is quite a long way out of budget. I would have to be honest and say that I love the paintjob on the Dash 4 too. The Vita has a huge amount going for it though, and I don't think either choice will be a bad one. I'll ask the LBS about the components on the Dash 2, thank you for the alert.

[hebe]

Not an entirely successful morning - the bike shop was hugely apologetic as they are short-staffed and the vita that arrived hadn't been built. I'm going back in tomorrow when it should be ready. Then if that one's ok, they will order in an Elite for me. We did discuss the two bikes, and it looks like the Vita will be a better choice for me and the riding I do. The roads here aren't brilliant and I know that I will end up just the slightest bit off-road at some point.

I did buy lights though! For the first time ever, as I've only ever really ridden in broad daylight so far, but the mornings are less bright now and the afternoons finish earlier, and I don't want to get caught out. Big bright ones for when dh wants to trail ride, and little wrap around leds for my just-in-case ones. Plus a brilliant 3 Led unit that clips onto the back of the trailer. I'm going to get another one of those and put it on the inside of the trailer too, as the light diffuses and glows through the fabric.

Thanks again to everyone who has posted, much appreciated.