After some advice

Hi, I'm new here and to bikes in general, but could do with some help!! I know the question has been asked loads of times but I've got upto £500ish and need a new bike! The riding will be some on road but mainly gravel paths and some light off road. If I get really into it, there may well be more off road on some proper trails. I'm not entirely sure what sort of MTB would best suit and not sure how you would distinguish between the different sorts. So far i've looked at the following:
ScottScale 70:
http://www.drakescycles.co.uk/products. ... m1b0s2p527
Specialized Bikes Rockhopper (in Red)
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkMode ... anguage=US
Genesis Core 10:
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/index.php ... _bike=TRUE
and if considered worth the extra £30 the Cube Acid:
http://www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/ACI ... .htm#anker
I know the best way is to go have a look and try th bikes out but some advice and maybe some further options would be much appreciated!
ScottScale 70:
http://www.drakescycles.co.uk/products. ... m1b0s2p527
Specialized Bikes Rockhopper (in Red)
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkMode ... anguage=US
Genesis Core 10:
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/index.php ... _bike=TRUE
and if considered worth the extra £30 the Cube Acid:
http://www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/ACI ... .htm#anker
I know the best way is to go have a look and try th bikes out but some advice and maybe some further options would be much appreciated!
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Trya few out if you can. Light is good, but the riding position of the others may suit you better for more demanding terrain.
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
To be honest your choice is huge at this price bracket . Have a look at a carrera fury at your nearest, dare i say it halfords . Some of there staff may be muppets but your not buying them . It has a good frame with a pretty good component package.
MAKING DECISIONS IS A NIGHTMARE
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=100
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b4s2p1265
and i also came across the Boardman Comp in halfords which is over budget but looked really nice and the sales man told me it was really good value, but then he would! Is it worth the extra cash, if i can find it?
The Giant on offer is a good deal, provided you like the bike - if you are looking online without trying the bike, you might as well look at Merlin and/or Focus - these two brands offer exceptional VFM.