This past weekend was devoted to shopping for a decent hybrid. I won't be doing really rough trails, I just need something that will handle some hardened recovered rail trails, that kind of thing).

I narrowed it down to the Giant FCR 3 for women or a Kona Dew Plus Special (both are similarly priced around $500 - 550 CAN$). The Giant is more attractive in terms of paint job - the Kona my husband calls 'ugly' but he feels it is better quality (he is buying one too).

The Kona has a Deore rear derailleur, while the Giant has a lesser Altus (but honestly, do I really feel the difference on the test ride, not really - will I feel a difference in the future? I don't know these things well enough).

The Kona I can buy from a very nice around-the-corner bike shop; the shop with the Giant is not so convenient. That is also a factor.

They are both good bikes and I don't think I could really go wrong with either. It is getting to be flip the coin time. Any opinions or experience with these bikes? I am open to other brands as well... Any help is very much appreciated.