Make sure you give the Tri-Cross a good long test ride. I have a 2006 model and the only thing that occasionally bugs me about it is that the steering is somewhat loose. It's possible that they've modified that in the 2007 models, but definitely pay attention to how it feels.
Other than that, I absolutely love my Tri-Cross. I dunno if it's the fastest 'cross bike out there, but it does everything I was hoping it would, and it looks really cool
(Quite impressive that you medaled in short track! I got hooked on watching that during the last winter Olympics. Awesome action!)