Thanks everyone for all your responses.

I have never heard of the Ridgebacks too, but came across this brand when started browsing online shops in the last few days. Did a quick search online and it returns some positive feedback about the brand so hopefully it's ok. Seems to be a UK based manufacturer. Not a world wide famous, but decent and respected by people who have tried it.

And to be fair I am not too concerned about the brand as I don't think I will selling the bike anyway. Even if I would - we're looking at around £400-£500 brand new bike, so 2-3 years from now it will probably be quite worthless (???). Mind you it won't be standing in the shop window display, it will be used (maybe not heavily, but still used). Somehow I have a feeling that people who are buying £50-£100 second hand bikes are not really concerned about the brand. Also a lesser known brand might be sightly safer when it comes to theft prevention. LOL.

Speaking of the costs. The Cannondale is £420 across all stores that sell it. The Ridgeback is £479, but I have found one store where they have a promotion and this bike is offered for £410 now. So provided that everyone here suggested the Ridgeback has better parts I think it makes sense for me to get it.