I looked at the Trek 7.1, 7.3 and the Specilized Sirrus and Specilized Sirrus Sport. I ended up going with the Specilized Sirrus Sport. It's main use is to commute to work but I've done some recreational riding and use it for things like going to Starbucks and the book store on the weekends. The Treks were nice too though. I say test ride them both if you can and see what feels better and buy it. I put on a rear rack, fenders, and lights and I am real happy with my choice.

The main reason I went with the Sirrus Sport over the Trek(s) was my cousin-in-law is huge into road and mountain biking and used to ride Treks and he switched to Specialized -- not that it means anything (besides that I can blame him if something goes wrong). Also, I think there are more Treks here so the Specilized is a little different.