Almost sorry to spam with a "should I buy this bike?" type post, but for various reasons I'm thinking about getting a bike from my LBS. They mainly carry Cannondale and Scott bikes. I know nothing about the "Scott" brand name, but I like the looks of the Cannondale "Trail" series. Notably the Trail 6 and Trail 5 might be in my price range.

Are the Cannondales a good choice for my price range? (Compared only to other "New" bikes, not used. That's a different decision for me to make.) What can you tell me about Scott bicycles?