I'm not a Trek fan so I start out prejudiced but think of it this way... Specialized has been in the MTB market for as long as MTB bikes have been around. I bought one of their first - the Rockhopper COmp back in the 80's! Their technology is solid and so is their reputation. I had a cracked frame and they totally replaced the frame and updated all the components all at no cost to me. They have also tried to place the best components for the money on their bikes.

Trek is a road bike manufacturer who more recently entered the MTB world cause well, there's alot of money in it. They haven't really gotten their act together. They bought Fisher in order to get that technology and I would consider a Cake before a Fuel anyday.