cannot decide would welcome advice

[ace]

welcome to all ist post just starting again after a few years break looking to fun ride nothing competitive cat make up my mind between a merida road race750 or a claude butler san remo second hand in good order

 

[betty swollocks]

This one
or
this one?

First of all find out if either comes in the right frame size for you.
What do you want to use the bike for?

.........and welcome to the forum: happy cycling!

 

[rich p]

Will you be riding up steep hills? If so, you may need a triple rather than a double.
As BS says, we need to know what terrain and where you'll be riding.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

well northwich is quite flat, but if you fancy some of the hills slightly further afield, the triple chainset will be a better bet.

both bikes are reasonable entry-level machines, which can be upgraded bit by bit as necessity/budget requires.