Advice on Giant Alight 3 vs Trek 7.2/7.1

decommuter771

Hi all,

New here but hoping for some advice/help!

I'm looking to get a bike for commuting to work. I have a short commute, regular roads and would like to get a child seat for the short trip to creche first with my daughter (2 year old). Going through the cycle to work scheme so want to get a good bike that will last me over the next few years and let me go out cycling with my daughter/handle longer distances (max. 10 miles) in the future.

I like the Trek FX 7.1/7.2 and the Giant Alight City from what I've seen to date. Specs for both seem pretty similar and reviews for both seem good.

So questions:
* Any advice on which I should go for?
* Is it worth the extra cash to upgrade from 7.1 to 7.2 or from the City 3 to the City 2?
* I'm 5'4 and have been told that I'm borderline between small and medium frames. I felt more comfortable on the 20' frame on the Trek 7.2. Giant City Small was ok but did feel a little small - again think I prefer the Medium. Is there any good reason other than personal preference when choosing the frame size?
* Child seats - Giant can't take a child seat that attaches to the frame; need to get one that attaches to the pannier. Does it make a difference in terms of safety or stability?

Lots of questions I know! Hopefully someone who knows more about this than I do might have some advice!

Thanks a million!