Sora is very good. It works. I know a woman who rides road races, cyclocros races, trains etc. on a Sora equipped bike - no problems. It's a several years old bike now, 8 or 9 cogs at the back wheel, 3 up front. Works.


I ride 105 equipped bike, because I was told it is the sweet spot, AND because I found it discount price at the same cost as Sora group was. Otherwise I was planning on going for Sora. Experienced bike mechanic said it's more than good enough for me (a recreational rider).

I have a lot of good experience with Acera MTB groupset. Many people also say for Acera it is not good, go for Alivio, or Deore at least, but this stuff works - winter, summer, snow, raind, SALT - it works. Shifts, brakes work, what more could I ask for?

More expensive groupos LOOK nicer and FEEL like a better quality, but when nicely set up it all works and I don't notice much difference.