Help Choosing my first bike (Womens Hybrid)

[Leopardlove]

Hello

I am after a bike for on & off road. I'll be using the bike for trails, bike paths etc. My budget is $500.

I have looked at so many bikes I am starting to go crazy!

I test rode the below three bikes and I cannot seem to find any difference between them.

1. Merida - Womens Crossways 10V ($499)
http://www.merida.com.au/2013-bikes/rec ... omens.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2. Giant - Womens Rove 3 ($499)
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 944/66432/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3. Trek - Womens Neko ($549)
http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/collecti ... mens/neko/#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My questions are..
- what are the main differences between the bikes
- what bike is best value for money
- warranty & repairs for each brand

I would really appreciate your help! (Feel free to suggest any other models).

Thanks

[jasonc]

My questions are..
- what are the main differences between the bikes

the giant is 3 gears at the front, 8 at the rear. the other 2 are 3x7

- what bike is best value for money
- warranty & repairs for each brand

they are all similar spec/warranty

Your other option is to look at a straight out mountain bike (especially if going to be doing trails) but in this price range, the specification will be similar

As usual the answer to which one to buy is "buy the one that makes you want to ride more"

[Leopardlove]

Thank you for your reply!

[open roader]

I have a retired friend who has put 6000+km in less than 2 years into a Merida Crossway (100 model I think) riding mostly gravel bike paths and lumpy rural bitumen roads. She loves the bike - has done most rail trail / bike trails in Victoria now, many in NSW and a few longer tours in New Zealand. This bike is maintained well, regular chain cleaning/lubing etc and cleaned well after major rides - still looked close to new condition when I saw it on the weekend...........

[Leopardlove]

Oh wow, thanks. I will definately be keeping my bike well maintained that's for sure!