Originally Posted by gemini

If by trail you mean something like a gravel road surface, I don't think you want front suspension for that and asphalt.

Last summer I bought a 2016 Trek Allant 7.2 last summer, which is basically the same as FX 7.2 but with Tektro mechanical disc brakes. My riding is similar to yours - mostly road, some gravel paths. I think the disc brakes are a 'nice to have', not a must-have. I live in a wet climate and the braking is definitely more predictable in wet and muddy conditions, and you do have more control in general. That said, you can get from point A to point B with rim brakes just the same.

The maintenance isn't any more than on rim brakes in my experience. Rim brakes need adjustment and new pads every now and again, too. The discs are more sensitive to the wheel quick release being tightened just so, otherwise the disc will rub on the pads, but that's not really a problem once you realize that the quick release is how you control it. The first time I took out the front wheel and put it back again, it took me a while to realize that the brake hadn't gone out of adjustment on its own, but I'd just tightened the quick release too much.

Obviously the fit and riding position is a major factor. The bikes you linked all seem to have a fairly long head tube and an upright position, as does my Allant (FX). I've found myself looking for a faster position and plan on flipping the stem and taking out a spacer to lower the bars.