I have the 2015 DS 8.3 and I love it. I do jones for a another gear to keep my cadence in my comfort zone. The disc brakes are great in the rain. I found out after getting caught on my hill climb day and descending a 10% average grade in the pouring rain. I don't think they have better dry stopping power and being cable actuated, they don't modulate that much better (hydraulic feel much better IMHO). That being said, I have taken it on washboard trails and it's come thru. The lockout front suspension is great and I don't think I miss much without the remote. I also do 30 to 40 miles on a weekend road ride without much discomfort.

Good luck!