Take a look at the parts on the $1550.00 Escape RX Composite.... yes they are the same ones! I felt Giant cheapened up the components for this year. I mean what do you think the cost difference .... to Giant in large volume between Sora and at least Tiagra or 105s. I purchased a couple of Escape RX 0's last year. They retailed for $1275 and came with a 105 drive train. So this year I moved up to the composite version but swapped out the components.... Good luck on your bike selection but I have to agree that Giant missed the boat on this..... guess the bean counters win again.