Well, I just thought I'd let you all know that I just purchased the Trek 8500. It was really the bike that felt the best to me. The kona was really too small (but managable with the seat all the way to the limit) and really didn't like the brakes on the specialized with comparison to the others. I also never rode on a bike that had any suspensions and had plenty of fun, so I figured $1500 for this bike was a great deal.
I can't wait to take it out. Now, I just have to get familiar with the trails in the area.