New MTB for Begineer, £200-£300 (saracen tufftrax?)

Hi, im looking for a MTB for myself, to be used mainly on roads then probably offroad as I progress. I've seen a review for the Saracen Tuffrax 2011 on the bike radar reviews and it did pretty well. Are there any other alternatives worth looking at?
Ive seen a Trek 3500 disc for sale in my local bike shop for £325. Is it £125 better than the Saracen?
Cheers
Ive seen a Trek 3500 disc for sale in my local bike shop for £325. Is it £125 better than the Saracen?
Cheers
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VOODOO CANZO
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I've got the Specialized Hardrock myself and I think they are about the same quality - although the Saracen probably has the edge, it just feels a little better put together. I had to change the brake levers on the Hardrock before I used it - they were that cheap and nasty .
I think all frames at this price point from the major makes are about the same quality. I have no problem recommending the Saracen or the Hardrock and only you know whether you think an extra £125 is worth spending for disks brakes. Personally I'd save the money (or more likely spend it elsewhere!)