Thanks jbchybridrider for raising that question.

I checked the gearing on both of these bikes, here is what I found:

Shimano Deore – Crank -48/36/26 Cassette – 11-31 9 speed
Shimano Sora – Crank – 50/34 Cassette – 12-26 9 speed

I have been doing some additional research in reference to these (2) derailleur sets and found that they are both fairly good quality components. Like you mentioned, they are just designed primarily for either mountain bikes or road bikes.

After looking at these (2) set ups, I am leaning toward the Deore set up. This would give me a wider range of gearing and for me that would be a plus.
I have made arrangements with my LBS (they have both of these bikes in stock) to test ride both of them this weekend.