[MENTION=72878]rek[/MENTION]meykata - Sounds like we agree.

I do agree with your assessment that for the higher Shimano lineup, 105 is very good, and should offer nearly all the performance of ultegra and DA. And yes, there is a noticeable difference between 105 vs Sora, both in ergonomics and speed of shifting.

My main point was really at the 'bang for buck' aspect. I've seen plenty of folks argue that 105 is the best bang for the buck, and that's fine for them. I'm just saying from my experience that in terms of pure function-for-cost, Sora is the winner. It does NOT mean Sora is the best, and does NOT mean that I prefer Sora to 105 - in fact, if I had to go out and buy a new cost-effective bike tomorrow that still gives me high enjoyment, I would def buy 105 (or up) and skip Sora, as I do value the better shifting, similar to you.

But if I were truly going by function-for-cost, Sora wins hands down, even if I personally don't buy bikes any more purely by maxing this ratio out.