So I've found a third bike I'm considering now also. Giant Rove 2:
Rove 2 (2014) | Giant Bicycles | United States
It's $50 over my ideal budget but has hydraulic disc brakes and is 9 speed. It's $650 vs the Specialized that I can get at $570. Worth the extra $80 to go with the Giant? Will I notice a difference considering I will do easy trail riding at best and paved paths and road?
thanks for the help!