Another thought, in your price range ---- You just may be able to buy two! A Crosstrail Sport Disc, and a Sirrus Elite Carbon Disc! There is purchasing power in before bike season, and multiple bikes from the same dealer............. Just Sayin!

The Crosstrail is almost Air Force Blue, and the Sirrus is Hi Tech Carbon, like a lot of AF stuff.

I believe 9 spd is the perfect drivetrain - lots of gears, and still cheaper to maintain/repair! The Sirrus is a compact double, and the Crosstrail is a mountain climbing triple - the best of both, and still offering your more upright riding positions.

Yeah, I have a Sirrus, and a Crosstrail. The Sirrus really does like to go fast easily, and the Crosstrail likes to go fast, and is also an excellent Utility bike, with ability to go kinda off-road. But, the Crosstrail will be more work! I love 'em both!