Raleigh seems to go out of its way to slip on a few higher name components (rear deraileurs are a good example, XT instead of Deore, or whatever) at the cost of a low quality fork. And, as was said, they weigh a TON. When I was shopping around for my bike I picked up a M80. I hadn't taken a good look at it yet, and assumed it was a full suspension. To my shagrin it was indeed a M80, hardtail as hardtails come. Like I said, it had impressive components for the price, but a squishy Judy on the front and a frame that just wieghed more than it needed to scared me away.

I don't know much about Treks, but I havn't heard many people complaining about them.

I thought that claim belonged to Giant?