I was hit a couple of months ago riding home from work. Trashed my 25 year old road bike. I plan to replace my road bike with a low cost carbon model, but I also want to buy a hybrid for commuting, and for occasional trail riding. My commute is only 14 miles round trip, and I also plan to commute in the rain occasionally. I've looked at the Cannondale Quick models, but I think I get more bang for my buck with Trek. I can't decide between the 8.4 DS, 7.4 FX, 7.4 FX Disc, or the 7.5 FX. I like the 7.4 FX Disc because of the hydraulic brakes, but it doesn't have a carbon fork. And the brakes would be nice in the rain. The 7.4 FX and 7.5 FX have the carbon fork and nice components, but not the hydraulic brakes. Then there is the 8.4 DS which has the suspension fork and hydraulic brakes. But I know it's geared more to trail riding than pavement and my commute is 100% pavement. As of right now I'm leaning to the 8.4 DS because of the fork and the brakes, and I can lock the fork for my short commute. In addition, I will be buying a nice road bike for longer rides so having a more "mountain" oriented bike would probably be a good choice.

Just looking for other opinions from those of you who have had similar dilemmas. Also, I am male, 53, 180 lbs, and am in pretty decent shape.

Thanks