Squatch, thanks. Much better. Yes it's 100% to each his own and your actual experience given above may be of assistance to him. Much better than saying it's "lousy" and leaving it at that.
And as far as the Cannondale vs the new Trek I'd agree with Squatch as well, it depends on condition, etc. I personally don't like CD because everything is proprietary. True Trek uses Bontrager which is a house brand but at least it's interchangable with industry standard parts.
If I had it to do all over again I'd check out the Hard Rock a little better. Don't know if I'd have chose it or not, but I'd have looked harder at it. I'd have also given Giant a little closer look but that's just me. I'm happy with what I have and it suites me just fine, but trying to offer some hindsight perspective to look at all of your options before buying something..