My bike is outfitted with the Sora front der, and brifters. I am not 100% happy with the shifting on the front. Given that I ride almost 100% of the time on the hoods, I actually like the brifters. It was an easy transition from my mtb STI as well. For what a new set of brifters cost, I have decided to keep these until I either have to have new ones, or I buy another "better" bike. For the cost of 9spd der it is cheap enough to upgrade those particulars as you have a few dollars put aside. Tiagra works nicely and can be found all over for @<$25 on the bay and whatnot.