If you are not going to ride in the rain, I would forget about the disk brake. It adds weight and complexity, I believe only necessary for rain and mud riding (just my opinion though). All that said, if you forgot about the brake, I would get the Trek, but I would jump up to the 7.5 FX. I just got one for $820 (not much more than the 7.3 disc). It has better components, and carbon forks. I apparently thought it was a good compromise of quality vs. price. I'm one of those point of deminishing returns type of guy. I also wouldn't get the FX if you plan on doing anything harder than a hard packed trail when going off road. I don't know about the others though. There are always compromises. If you want off road, get a mountain bike. Of course they stink on the road though. Good luck with your search, I also went crazy trying to choose. I think you will like any of those choices.