Originally Posted by blue_neon

Forks have a huge affect on the feel. There are too many brands to name, but I assume your not looking at forks that are priced at $1500+... RST probably make more forks then any other brands, and mass market them on Kmart bikes, as they are only low end shocks. Biggest manufactures of decent forks would be Fox and Rock Shox.

In your examples between the two Treks, you will notice a huge difference between the 80mm and 100mm forks you suggested above, just in the travel. As they are both low end forks thats the only difference you will notice.