Which Bike?

[DarkDreamer1]

So I previously had a cheap full sus bike with front cable disc brake and rear v brake. I found it extremely heavy and difficult to ride. I generally use it for commuting but like to go off road now and again.

I am really unsure of how to look for a bike but from what I have searched for I have come up with two options i really like.

Claud Butler Cape wrath d24
http://www.all-about-the-home.co.uk...in-bike---now-27450---free-delivery-754-p.asp

Saracen Vortex LE
http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=141&products_id=7008

I prefer the look of the saracen, and have been told it has better components with the lockout, but the cape wrath is a more trusted make and has brilliant reviews? Any help would be great!

My budget is £250 ish and any other suggestions are welcome.
I am not fussed with either male or female specific bikes

 

[Iceniner]

Getting hydraulic brakes on the saracen is good. I have the auriga comp hydraulics on my GT mountain bike, they are really good, although they can be a bit soft at times. Also you get a larger disc already put on the front which i paid to upgrade later. I cant really say which is better but from my experience the Tektro brakes are well worth it for that price.

 

[HJ]

Have you tried riding either bike? At the end of the day it is how it feels to ride which really counts and not wheat it looks like. The best advice I can give a new comer is ride before you buy...