Originally Posted by
seymour1910
The older Sora had a thumb shifter, the new Sora doesn't have it. If you like the GT, the frame is just fine. I just wouldn't give a grand for a bike with Sora. Spend the $700 for the Tiagra bike and use the other $200 on accessories you will need like spare tubes and basic tools.
If they don't have the GT in stock they can order it for you. They have in in your size online. At this price you're looking at GOOD bikes, not GREAT bikes so none are far superior really. Just stay within your budget and make this fun and not a head ache. If you like red as I do, you can always add red to the bike. Red Bar tape would look nice with the red accents. You can also get tires with red stripes.
These are not a need, but these will even throw a bit of red in for you
Vuelta Corsa Pro Road Wheelset - Road Bike Wheels / Wheelsets
You guys rock. These responses are the reason I came here.