Don't sweat the Sora/2300 stuff, it works fine, especially if you are not concerned about shifting from the drops. Both bikes have carbon forks so all things being equal, the framesets are very similar in that respect. The Novara has provisions for racks/fenders, so you might want to decide how important that is to you. If you are on a budget, I would get the Scott, the difference in cost will allow you cash to buy pedals/shoes, a pair of cycling shorts and a jersey to ride in. Either way you will be fine.