A sort of what bike, looking at 2 and can't decide

[Gibby78]

Evening all, I'm usually an avid reader of the cycling section but not what you'd call a prolific poster, now I have a problem that I'm hoping some of you fine people here can help me sort out, I'm after a bike for the short 14 mile round trip to work, now it'll be doing some very badly maintained South Yorkshire Roads and a canal towpath (not paved) so settled on a hardtail MTB with city tyres on, I didn't want to go over £500 but have drifted over on one of my choices, unfortunately can't use Halfords as through work as I'd have quite liked a boardman to be on the options list but have so far looked at the following.

Decathlon Rock Rider 8.1 at £499, looks a lot of bike for the money and had a quick go in the shop and was a really nice light bike.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/8-1-2011-172069577/

and the Claud Butler Cape Wrath 03, which my LBS are doing for £529, nice bike but didn't have my size in to test, some things I really liked some not so keen on, felt heavier than 8.1.
http://www.falconcycles.co.uk/Corporate/CB/CapeWra...

one is full SRAM X7 one is a Shimano Mixture, I run X9's on my full suss and the simple 1 to 1 I like but heard the new SLX stuff is silky smooth, help me decide please ;o)

[Allblackdup]

Of the bikes you've listed, i'd say the Decathlon is a much better bike than the CB and from memory on here, the Decathlon does get featured as a lot of bike for the money.

Other options, consider a Specialized Hardrock or something similar by Cube. I've the Hardrock Pro (which is a bit more than your budget) on city tyres for my 14 mile round commute. I'm starting to ride a lot more on the road so its getting a little bit frustrating and i'm looking at a road/hybrid instead but for the types of surfaces you've described, a hardtail will probably suit you the best.

As you've done, the best way to find what you want is to go and see them and try them out (as much as possible).