Rear shock setups
 

What are you guys' opinions on different rear shock placement. Like the vertical setup on trek fuels vs the horizontal setup on jamis dakars. Are there pros and cons to both setups or is it just a matter of personal preference?

Placement can affect the spring rate.. whether its linear, progressive or regressive. A lower shock placement lowers the center of gravity. Certain areas of the frame are more capable of taking the abuse of a shock mount.. so yeah, there are pros and cons.