I was ogling a Seek 0 until I rode it, and then it seemed like any other bike.
I got a great deal on a Trek Soho ($720, retails for $1050) and it has been generally good to me. I love love love the carbon belt instead of a chain - zero maintenance. The internal gears are also great - I love being able to change gears at a stoplight. The brakes work perfectly in the rain, which is great, although I would prefer discs for extra stopping power.
the great thing about the Soho is I don't have to do anything to maintain it ... just keeps running. no chain to worry about, no exposed gears or brakes.
Sounds like the Norco Ceres recommended above might be a step up from the Soho.