Mountain Biking - Jamis exile 29 vs Specialized rockhopper 29

Hi guys. My hardrock 29er recently met a early death due to a drunk driver rear ending me with me and my kids bike on the rack so I am on the hunt for a new bike. I have narrowed it down to these 2 bikes. I am looking at the comp model for both. They are both the same price so it comes down to the components and that is what I was hoping to get some help with. The biggest differences I can see are the brakes and the fork. Which do you guys think has the most bang for the buck. Thanks.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/exile/12_exilecomp.html

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62111&scid=1100&scname=Mountain

I like the Jamis myself....

Jamis

You'll have to ride both. Components are fairly similar but there are differences in geometry. Wheelbase is close but the Rockhopper has shorter stays and a lower BB. Plus it has a longer reach/ETT so it'll feel a bit different than the Jamis.

The Exile Comp hands down!

Both suck.

Get the Redline:
www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/mtb/2012-d620

thanks for the info guys. I am leaning toward the jamis but I am going in the morning to ride them both and make a decision. Any particular reasons that (most) of you guys like the Jamis.

I own 3 Jamis bikes. I like them all. I'm more inspired by the Redline. The fork on the Jamis doesn't inspire me. It's a glorified Judy TT. (opinion)

I am definitely going to check out the redlines tomorrow as well. The specialized dealer here also handles redline. Thanks for the info, I would have never considered them otherwise.