Giant XR0 vs Merida Crossway XT

[Spaco]

Hello,

I have started commuting to work (Sydney CBD) just under 10kms each way, time to ditch the vintage mtb.

I'm feeling pretty comfortable looking at a hybrid in case I do the off trail etc, like the flexibility and narrowed down to the Giant XR 0 and the Merida Crossway XT.

I've been trying to compare them and see if one has any noticeable differences, advantages or better componentry?

Really keen for advice and opinion before taking the plunge, or are they that similar it will just be a personal feel decision?

I've put their specs next to each other is that helps?

Bottom Bracket
Giant - SRAM GXP XR
Merida - attached

Brakes
Giant - Shimano M446 hydraulic, 160mm
Merida - Shimano T445 160 cen

Cassette
Giant - SRAM PG-1030, 11-36T, 10sp
Merida - Shimano CS-HG62-10 11-34

Chain
Giant - KMC X10
Merida - KMC Z10 10s

Crankset
Giant - SRAM S1000, 32-48T
Merida - Shimano XT 48-36-26 CG

Fork
Giant - SR Suntour NCX-E RL, 63mm travel (w-remote)
Merida - SR NCX lite E-RL air 63

Frame ALUXX grade aluminium Crossway TFS-D-Single

Front Derailleur
Giant - SRAM X9, 34.9mm
Merida - Shimano XT-48

Handlebar
Giant Connect, low rise
Merida Pro OS 620 R12

Hubs
Giant alloy sealed cassette, 32h
Merida - Shimano M435 cen

Rear Derailleur
Giant - SRAM X9 Type 2
Merida - Shimano XT-T

Rims
Giant S-X2
Merida Comp Pro D

Seat Post
Giant Connect composite, 30.9mm
MERIDA Pro H SB15 27.2

Shifters
Giant - SRAM SL-700 trigger set, 20sp
Merida - Shimano XT

Stem
Giant Connect, 8 degree
Merida Pro OS 5

Tyres
Giant P-SLX 2, FlatGuard Deflect 2, 700x35c
Merida Speed Lite 40 KV

[Phizz]

Hi Spaco,
I just saw your post (from Dec2014). I am also looking at these two bikes as replacement options for my current bicycle (Trek4500 now over 10 years old) and wondered which one you selected in the end, and how you have found your bike. Thanks in advance for any hints.