Hi, I'm thinking about putting the Sora '13 groupset on my bike and was wondering if anyone here has it or has used it and what their experiences have been, thanks!

Sora is a basic, low cost level of parts that tries to include as much of Shimano's designs as possible using material changes and tolerances increases to save cost. This is not good or bad, just what it is. With care and feeding it can last a long time, without, parts will wear down and loosen up at a faster rate then more costly part levels. I am surprised that Sora would be sold as a "group" though. Parts packaged and marketed as a Group are typically found in the higher levels and the basic stuff marketed as individual replacements only.

I will say that from my experience Sora is a vast step up from 2300. Andy.

The new Sora 2013 seems to be a big step up compared to previous Sora components, new shifters that now have paddles like tiagra and above, I was just hoping to know weather it is worth upgrading from 2300 to the new Sora, it's quite well priced as well; brakes, front and rear derailleur, crankset, bottom bracket, shifters, cassette, chain and all cables for £210 ($320).

It does look much more refined than the previous Sora. BTW, how much of a premium would stepping up to 105 cost?

i have played with it on a few stock/new bikes and not really impressed. i have older 9 sp tiagra shifters and 105 RD on my commuter bike and this new sora does not work as well. i am thinking if i change the RD it might work better.

105 is £410

So double the cost. Hmmm.

Yup, I don't have the funds for it and if I did I'm not sure it would be twice as good either.