the biggest difference is the components and wheelset are better on the more expensive one. 105 is two component levels above sora. It goes sora tiagra 105 ultegra and then dura ace.

I personally test rode the apex disc brake version of the tricross and really really liked it. In the end though I went with the Specialized Crux instead, mostly because it seemed to be a little more aggressive than the tricross. But for your intended purpose I think that either would be a great fit for you.