decision...to get a triple or compact double

[Aggie_Ama]

Aggie ama ....said "Sora isn't great but I rode 6,000 miles on mine before switching to 105."

If I can get that many miles out of Sora then thats fine with me! I am going to work on getting one of the Trek demo bikes. They sell them every July.

Tina

To expand on my comment, after you ride something higher you will notice that Sora or Tiagra isn't as clean shifting. BUT money is an issue (it seems) and I found Sora can be reliable if you keep up with maintenance. I like that my first bike was a Sora success story, she did 2 MS150's, a couple centuries and served me very well.

Oh and several of the LBS and REI do low cost or free basic maintenance classes. Look into one to learn how to lube the drive train, etc.