Advice? Upgrading f/old MTB - REI Zealo vs. Trek 7.4 vs Jamis Coda Comp vs. other?

[Kubla]

I would have said the Jamis Coda even before you made you list.

Another (somewhat-biased) vote for the Coda. I have the 2009 (men's) Sport and love it. The ride is smooth and stable, yet it's quick and responsive. Although I am happy with each of my bikes, the Coda is the one that made me experience the phenomena of the "saddle disappearing underneath me". It's pretty cool.

[TelemarkK]

Thanks all!

Muirenn and Kubla, thanks for the Jamis endorsement! Kubla, your comments are inspiring -- I know that sensation w/skiing and imagine it's very cool w/a bike.

Owlie, thanks for the tips on the Treks -- I'll take a look at the 7.5. Re: bike storage at work, we have many racks in an outdoor (covered) area -- we're on a campus in a business park so I'd be comfortable w/a "good bike" locked up there-- I'm more concerned about bike storage at home (in a community garage) and in the city while commuting to event/restaurants/etc...

I tested a CX bike yesterday -- the Giant Invite 2. It was a nice ride -- drop bars were surprisingly comfortable and easy to reach the brakes (thank you, Giant, for WSD) and it has in-line brakes on the tops. My hesitation w/it is the Sora components-- the shifting wasn't entirely "crisp" and it seemed like the front derailleur needed to be adjusted as the chain was rubbing against it. I guess the shifting would just take some getting used to...

Anyone have the Invite 2?

(I admit to trying the Avail again -- man is that a fun bike! incredibly responsive and zippy and was fine navigating through traffic. May need to keep this on my wish list.).

Heading out on a community ride on the Jamis today. Hoping to have a decision made very soon...

[TelemarkK]

Hi All,
Thanks for the valuable input!

Is anyone familiar with the Giant Invite 2??

It's a WSD cyclocross bike -- I tested it last weekend and liked it quite a bit -- seems like it could be a good mix of commuter/intro to drop bars/more road-like zip. Only hesitation is the Sora components (shifting not as crisp as one would prefer).

(I took the Coda Comp out for a ~18mi community ride (touring city murals!) and still liked it, although I would switch out the saddle. My hands bothered me a bit by the end of the ride, but I still liked the bike. I admit to trying the Giant Avail 1 again ... wow is that a fun ride. But, I need a bike I can lock up outside/in my apt bldg garage and that's not something I'd want to leave out anywhere... going to leave this for my "someday" list!).

Owlie, re: bike storage at work, there are many bike racks outside in a covered area. I typically bus my bike to work then do either the 14 or 26mi ride home (length dictated by public transit schedules)