I've had two Trek hybrids: an old 7xxx that I got at a garage sale and a '09 FX 7.1. They have both been excellent bike that have performed better and survived more abuse in-tact than I expected. From the way some people talk about them, low-end (less than $500) Trek bikes will fall apart under minimal stress, but I have gone on multi-day fully-loaded bike trips with both of mine and never had a single concern about the condition of the bike (just the condition of the rider).

I think Trek makes great bikes. Plus they are a Wisconsin company, which I like!