Originally Posted by
berner
I have no idea why some people look down their nose at Sora components. More expensive components are lighter and likely shift smoother which will be of interest when racing. For everyone else the difference is as the difference between Chevy and Cadillac or between Volksvagen and BMW. Sora components are reliable, shift smoothly and will provide many miles of reliable service.
the 2010/2011 sora levers are not so bad as the previous generation.
but they still feel a bit flimsy compared to the tiagra levers and the sora levers still have the neigh accessible thumb lever when in the drops.
now, tiagra and 105 levers should have almost no play at all if the are brand new and will eventually develop some play as they wear out. So if the tiagra or 105 shift levers play around for more than 2mm at the tip before you get any resistance or feedback, then that means the lever is worn out and will be very comparable to new sora levers.
one other thing to watch out for on cheaper bikes... many bike manufacturers will say "<insert brand> equipped", but in actuality, the only thing that will be <insert brand> level will be the rear derailer. The RD is the
LEAST important place to use high quality parts. Definitely check the specs of the bikes and especially the shifters it uses.