LOVE my Trek 7.3 I have the 2007 model but nothing has really changed throughout the years from what i've seen at the bike shops. A little bit of tiny changes but it over all is the same bike so i would still recommend it.

If you want to go cheaper than the 7.3 you can try the 7.2. The only difference is a cheaper derailur (sp?) but it really isn't that big of a deal and had i known that i probably would have gone for the 7.2. My girlfriend just got one and she loves it.

These bikes really zip around. They aren't the lightest but when it comes to these types of bikes they are really the best.

You might also want to check out the Specialized Vita.