I'm a big fan of specialized because of their suspension design and customer service! My first MTB was a specialized Rockhopper - it fit me great - size 15.5 (you don't see that size many places although it's all relative to the mgfr).

So a big YES to Specialized if they fit you and you can find an LBS you like and a big YES to Deore over Alivio (but given the choice I'd go SRAM!).