I think Claud Butler has an impressive history, back in the day (and I mean before the dawn of the mountain bike) I understand that it was quite a well respected brand.
Now I think they are part of the universal cycles group or something. Gotta say some of there starter road bikes are pretty great value if you want a basic £300 bike.
Wouldn't worry too much, the mountain bikes weren't up to much, just another great name that got bought by a big company that then ignored the heritage that had made the brand great. Claude Butler used to produce some great handmade custom frames, but all the new ones are identi-kit low end steel numbers with low end kit
My first MTB in 1989 was a claud butler and it is still in my dad's shed!!! I think everything on it is pretty original down to the 4 finger break levers. Had a nice 501 frame with lugged construction if memory serves.
It is what got me hooked on this MTB thing, did my first race on it after having it 3 weeks. Ahhh inside park in the sun!!!
I remember they tried to go up market in around 92. With a limited edition Mtb of 350 (or a figure similar) units i think. My LBS couldn't understand why they bothered as the buyers with that sort of money at that time went for pace, Klein & co