my vote is for the stumpjumper. i just bought one- it is the nicest mountain bike i've ever ridden (except for my friend's $3000 ellsworth). it makes climbing super easy, and you can huck it like nothing over crap in your way. seriously, i am glad every time i look at my bike. you will not be disappointed. i can't speak for that particular trek, but the trek i used to ride, and the one i test rode both felt a little more generic than the specialized feels.