I love specialized frames in general but I hate how they mix and match components to hit price points. Makes it impossible to memorize the lines (speaking from a shop employee standpoint). Giant makes really good bikes and of the 4 major U.S. Brands I thing they give you the best bang for the buck - I just don't find them sexy. I look at a Giant and think... Meh.
Guess it depends on where your priorities lie and what you are looking for. Honestly though it's hard to make a wrong choice. The top four brads make solid bikes.
