Both are hybrids, pretty much the same specs. I'm not looking for anything fancy and high end. For my purposes a budget of $300 max could get me either one of these bikes. The D'back retails $499 but I can get it for $299. The Schwinn retails for 299 but can get it for $250.

I'll be using this for leisure rides with the family, mostly on paved road and dirt trails, with possibility of the occasional long bike rides down the countryside stuff.

Some people say it gets better as the price goes up, but I find it's not true. There are some cheaper bikes that perform as well as their more expensive counterparts so it boils down to... at this price range, which brand would you trust?

Thanks in advance for your input.