spectastic, Except for some of SRAM's early mountain groups, mainly shifters, their parts are pretty good. For the most part I've used Shimano equipment without any unreasonable problems. FB's post is spot on, I feel. Not that Sora or Tiagra won't work well for years, the 105 group is the entry level racer's group and/or the recreational rider's best group in the Shimano offerings, IMHO. The Force group is much the same level for SRAM, also just my opinion.

Brad