What is "the real deal"? Why are you so fixated on the Trek vs Fuji when you've never ridden either one and there are dozens of other brands to consider all with comparable bikes? There is something fishy about you. Either you are a troll or you are going about the search for your first bike completely the wrong way. It seems like you picked one bike out of a hat because its the only brand name youve heard of. Have you heard of Cannondale, Specialized, Giant, Ridley, Focus, Felt? If you visit some shops you may find those and more that have comparable bikes at similar price points. And again,if you are looking at aluminum might as well check out Cannondale since they have mastered and perfected aluminum like no other brand has