Newbie Dilemma Tiagra vs. Sora- worth the $?

CourtInNYC

Hi,
I'm keen to get into road riding -- it's been about 20 years since I so much as touched a bike that wasn't a mountain bike. I'm interested in riding recreationally and for fitness and maybe going on longer group rides as I get more into the sport. I'm also not looking to drop a lot of money. I've done plenty of research and visited several LBS's and want to get some advice on the following two bikes/specs:

The first is a 2012 Orbea Aqua TTG with Tiagra componentry except for the rear derailleur, which is a 105. I believe the bike retailed at $1299 but as it's a leftover the shop wants $900 for it.

The second is a 2013 Orbea Aqua TSR with Sora componentry throughout. It's priced at a low $600.

Considering the frames are essentially the same, is the Tiagra/105 setup worth $300 more than the Sora bike?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Serious Cat

Buy the sora bike and ride it,if its old thumbshifter sora grit your teeth and bear it, if its current spec then these will be ok. In the meantime put some cash away . Strip the sora components and sell them, replace them using savings and monies from sora sales with 105 5700 parts which are great value now 11 speed 105 5800 is on the market and you can pick up bargains used here. Taking the sora off and replacing with 105 5700 will make a sora bike infinitely better and you would be far happier than with a tiagra bike.

lawrences

Get the Tiagra. As high end moves to 11 speed there will be loads of cheap 10 speed wheels on the market for an upgrade at a later date.

Serious Cat

lawrences wrote:

Get the Tiagra. As high end moves to 11 speed there will be loads of cheap 10 speed wheels on the market for an upgrade at a later date.

Disagree, imo Tiagra shifters look brute ugly and im sure the OP would be a lot happier with 105 5700 shifters out front.

CourtInNYC

Thanks for the prompt advice. The Sora is *NOT* the dreaded thumb-shifter setup, which is a good thing.

lawrences

Serious Cat wrote:

lawrences wrote:

Get the Tiagra. As high end moves to 11 speed there will be loads of cheap 10 speed wheels on the market for an upgrade at a later date.

Disagree, imo Tiagra shifters look brute ugly and im sure the OP would be a lot happier with 105 5700 shifters out front.

I know you disagree I read your post. 105 wasn't in the question.

SCR Pedro

I would say that Sora will serve you well enough, until you get the upgrade bug. Then as parts start to wear, you can upgrade them, like I have done. In the meantime, I'd probably get some decent tyres, or a quality 2nd hand wheelset. A nice groupset is plush, but won't hold you back.

Anonymous

Serious Cat wrote:

imo Tiagra shifters look brute ugly

So Glad its not just me that thinks this lol

I would get new Sora over 'old' Tiagra if I could really not have 105.

I would put the money away towards bike number 2 rather than plan any upgrades.
If you really get into it you wail want another bike, and if you hate it you will have saved loads of cash.
Win Win.

CourtInNYC

Thanks, all, for the sound advice. I rode the Orbea Aqua TSR -- the Sora bike for $600 -- and it was the first test ride that I was actually relieved to have end. I found the ride to be harsh and the bike actually hurt to ride. I think me and that bike just didn't go well together. And while I haven't yet tried the upgraded TTG version, I fear my experience will be similar.

The good news is that I had much better luck on a Scott Speedster 40 which has a mix of Sora and Tiagra components. The bike seemed to fit me better and it had a solid feel to it. I also liked a Cannondale Synapse, but the model I rode had the Claris groupset for a higher price then I want to spend. And I had a thrill ride through Midtown Manhattan on a Felt Z100, which felt good from a fit perspective but I wasn't too keen on the Claris components on that bike. They felt, I don't know, a tad rickety. I'm now looking for a Z95 to try. Sadly I've been unable to find a good price on a Trek or Specialized in my neck of the woods.

All in all, despite all the reviews I've read, nothing beats getting on a bike to see what it feels like to you.

kajjal

That's the main thing find a bike you want to ride.

CourtInNYC

Well, I bought a bike. And it rendered the Sora vs. Tiagra debate moot: I got a good deal on a 2014 Felt Z85... Full 105 componentry for just a hair over $900. I had a good long test ride and it was head and shoulders above the lower-level groupsets. And the bike fit me well and felt (no pun intended) terrific. And for the price, well, it can't be beat. Now I just want to ride!

Thanks to all who replied -- you guys make this forum a great resource for beginners like me!

caedev

Great decision. Just went for my first ride after upgrading my Allez from Sora to 105 and the difference is immense.