Thank ColonelSanders... I'm trying to explore all options and saw the 7.5 and considering it as worth a look. We'll see when I get to see up close and personal. Trek states "FX is fitness simplified. It offers a best-of-both-worlds combination of road bike speed and city bike comfort and versatility. It’s a perfect fitness bike, and so much more." Given that my off-roading is limited to some minor dirt paths, sand, gravel and seashells and my road riding is in small towns with lots of curbs to hop, it "may" be worth a closer look.

I'm not sure if the tire size differences are significant or semi-close - 700x28c on the 7.5 vs. 700x35c on the verve? Sorry for the rookie question but is that a huge deviation?