I kind of imagined that Mr. Fishstick wouldn't be a Trek guy, preffering everything top end custom stuff, but he's a LOT more into bikes and riding than me.... i only go for a ride now and then....
I knew Trek was a 'good' brand with some pretty expensive models but i only have 2 cheapish models.... wasn't looking for anything top end, just a step or 2 up from the cheap junk at K-Mart, the one hybrid bike i got is this one-
https://archive.trekbikes.com/ca/fr/2014/Trek/8_2_ds#/ca/fr/2014/Trek/8_2_ds/details
I have honeslty hardly ridden it but i really like the feel of it apart from the gears.... i might call the local bike shop to see what he thinks and what it would cost to get running smoothly, as there's no reason to upgrade at this point, i have taken good care of it and maybe it just needs some tinkering.
cables stretch,chains wear out,derailleurs fall out of adjustment or the springs wear out,you could have a dead opossum jammed in the gears