I'd first like to apologise if this is in the wrong area. I'm new here, as is evident, and I couldn't find anywhere else to ask this.

I'm looking to get into cycling first by commuting every once in a while and taking recreational rides--no more than 10 miles at a time. The problem that presents itself is that I have no bike.

So I've spent a few weeks looking around at local shops and I've narrowed it down to these choices (both from local shops) that are right about the amount I'd like to spend:

Jamis Ventura Sport: $650
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...port_spec.html

Scott Speedster S50: $700
http://scottusa.com/us_en/product/82.../speedster_s50

Now I don't want to seem like I'm trying to elicit a decision out of other people, but I admit that I haven't the slightest clue, even after much research, as to which bicycle I should go with. I haven't had a chance to test out the Scott as it needs to be ordered in, but I have tested the Jamis and it appears to be a sturdy ride.

Any opinions and justifications would be much appreciated--thanks in advance.