Which mountain bike is a better buy...?

I am looking to purchase my first mountain bike. I am 6 feet tall and 200lbs. I have been looking at a 2008 Raleigh Mojave 2.0 for 249.99 and a 2008 Trek 820 for 259.99. I plan to do road and light trail riding, but mostly road. I am wondering which is the better buy.

I must also state that I am takig up riding in order to rehab my legs. I used to run 20+ miles, but can't do that now.

Both of those bikes are built in the same factory... Ideal Bike Company in Taiwan. There is no difference in the "quality" of the frames.

However, the Raleigh has a better fork. The difference between the SRAM and Shimano components is negligible.

For 10 bucks, I would get the Raleigh and a couple of waterbottle cages.

I recommend investing and getting something good. I bought a Gary Fisher Tassajara several years ago and am hooked. I think I might have been disappointed if I'd bought something in the $300 range (mine was $850).

I rode it on the road alot and it is great for trails. Whatever you do, don't buy a hybrid. Not good at either road or trail.

I ride hard though.

Buy the Trek,its simply a better frame.
The ten dollar difference means this:I would never buy a Raleigh frame.I would definately buy any Trek frame.
Raleigh makes some good bikes but the low end models bite compared to Trek's.

Neither.
Look for a bike with a cassette rear wheel and better components. Spend over $500 and you'll be happier. Spend this little and you'll kill it quick.
good luck.

Get whichever one weighs less, and has bigger tires.