Used to do all mountain on an Orange 5. Family and office job means I'm now getting lardy and want a simple (but half decent) hardtail to bike to work and back.
I won't be racing so wondered if anyone could advise what geometry suits a more leisurely pace out of these two:
Saracen TuffTrak Comp Disc: http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/sport-mtb/tufftrax-comp-disc
Or
I won't be breaking any speed records so as I don't understand the relevance of the geometry, can anyone tell me which should (theoretically) offer the more relaxed and comfortable ride?
Any advice
There's seems to be little difference in the pics (only one lists geometry, but then you're buying two different sizes across the bikes) the seattube on the Voodoo appears to be steeper though, with a longer chainstay that may mean a ride with less shocks up through the rear. My commuter is 2" longer from BB to rear axle that my XC bike and I think that's why it seems to be more comfortable, although less aggressive. You'll end up playing with/replacing the saddle/stem/bars to suit your body like with any new bike.
But the Voodoo is the better speced bike, acera rather than altus, and a 120mm air fork compared to the 80mm coil fork. The air fork isn't supposed to have that great small bump response and some movement in it, whilst the coil one is pretty stiff, but heavy and the seals don't keep crap out. I personally wouldn't want to use the XCM offroad if you chose to go having fun on the bike. However, on your road commuting in practise you'll just lock the fork out for more speed/easy pedalling anyhow.