I think you would do better on any of the bikes mentioned. The geometry of your current bike is fine up to a point. A more forward-leaning bike will allow you to stand and put you in what should be a more efficient position overall. I have put in a lot of miles on bikes that I can't stand on. Electra Amsterdam, Velorbis Scrap Deluxe, etc. and it takes a LOT of effort to get up some steep hills. More than on my other bikes because again, you're locked into that one position. You either have the leg strength or you don't.
I wouldn't mess with the Neko. If you want an alternative to the FX, I'd look at the Waubesa, Monona, Wingra, Soho, PDX... I lose track. Trek has about 10 times more models than they need.
My guess is that the non-disc bikes will be a better value. If the disc brakes are appealing to you, then go that route, but they're not necessary and will add weight to the bike.
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Originally Posted by
DogBoy
Aside from making sure your current bike is functioning properly, there is little difference other than components between the ones you are looking at and what you have now.
This is not true. You haven't actually looked at the bikes in question have you?
The tendency of this forum to completely ignore the question and get sidetracked on things like discouraging purchases or second-guessing weight is annoying at best.