Originally Posted by majglow
I don't actually have it at my house yet! I'm going to get it tomorrow. They are doing some minor adjustments and installing the accessories I bought. But mostly, I have to put the bike rack I just bought on my car. Pics shall come in due time.
Wow. I was just about to recommend the 8500 -- I happen to have bought one myself a few months back. It's easily the best bike of those you picked and for $1500? A total steal.
The only parts that I personally have upgraded on my bike are the stem, handlebars, and saddle -- I also cut 2cm from the steerer tube of mine. Personally I feel that Trek got everything right on the bike aside from the stem and handlebars. I ride mostly single track and XC, and I just couldn't ride the ape hangers that the 8500 comes with stock. Paired off with a short riser stem and a ton of extra steerer tube, I felt as though I was riding a cruiser.
However, with a new stem (120mm, -10 deg), a nice flat bar (550mm, 5 deg sweep) and a lighter saddle... almost perfect.