Hey...wow, good for you getting back onto two wheels. Mtb is great fun, I hope you really have fun with it.

I had the Trek you speak of...and honestly, hated it. It just did not fit my body at all, I think it was a lemon, chain suck every time I rode, poor clearance for thick mud w the frame...too short a top tube for stand over height.

Every one is different, so it's important to test ride as many as you can. I bought a Titus, and the first one was too big (XS), I couldn't really control it and felt very timid on it. I sold that, and bought the XXS, and LOVE that bike! I ride more than I hike now, and it climbs great, and I can ride most of the local World Cup Downhill course on it (never could I do that on the TREK!!)

Lots of folks really love the Julianne...a lot of my buddies have them, and they ride great. I'd love to try the Specialized, lots of the guys I ride with like theirs!

Good Luck..
Ride with Passion,
bgh