[Closed] Apologies in advance for the which bike from these two question

But here goes

Aluminium hardtail to be used as a second bike to a 140mm trail bike, for Meridas, XC races etc
Needs to be race orientated as I want it as a quick yet more uncomfortable alternative to my trail bike

Choices are Trek 8000 or Giant XTC1. Both the same money, similar spec, similar weight (25lbs, not sure of the weight of the Trek, but it seems similar) everything spec wise else similar, Reba SL forks, Juicy 5's, XT and SLX mix. I think the only obvious spec difference is a XT chainset on the Trek as opposed to an SLX on the Giant). Not sure of the difference in the wheels as follows:-

Trek = Shimano M525 SL rear hub, Bontrager sealed front hub; Bontrager SSR rims

Giant = Mavic XM117 rims on Deore hubs

I know the answer is to try both but your opinions would really help