I wouldn't say that Sora is crappy. It's like nite and day over the 2000 series.

If it were me all over again knowing what I know now I wouldn't go anything less than Tiagra for the simple fact of the dual paddle shifters as compared to the 'annoying thumb thingy'. Another thing about the 1.1, 1.2 series that a lot of people don't know. and this a secret. The frames are made in 'Taiwan'. yep. I've said it before, Order a bikesdirect bike and it will have the same black and gold 'Made in Taiwan' sticker on the head tube. So unless you're getting a higher end bike and can handle buying online you'd be just as good as getting a BD bike.