Please help deciding which bike to get/use!

[Zen]

I'd look into WHY you can't use the drops before just jumping to a new bike (again! in 4 months!).

Because you can't shift from the drops with Sora.

The other option is to keep the bike, ditch the Sora and upgrade to shifters you can use from the drops.

[greta]

that's why i'm considering buying the raleigh. use the components and Sell the raleigh, that's my question. it's the only way i can see to recooperate any money, hence i wish i had bought the upgraded to start with. thanks for your comments. ZEN those are great pictures from your picture gallery! Where are you located?

[Zen]

ZEN those are great pictures from your picture gallery! Where are you located?

Latitude 39.42N
Longitude 77.4 W

In Maryland (and thanks)

[greta]

I grew up in Boulder, it is better! Not sure what to do, if I upgrade maybe I should just buy them separate rather than buying the bike and switching components. Thanks for the help.

[MartianDestiny]

Because you can't shift from the drops with Sora.

The other option is to keep the bike, ditch the Sora and upgrade to shifters you can use from the drops.

Well, I guess it's obvious how much that disadvantage bugs me since I'd forgotten it was there (and my nice bike has Ultegra, so you'd think I'd know the difference)

OP:
Personally, I'd look into how much it would be to upgrade the levers, unless of course you are already noticing the gearing oddities of the drivetrain. Might be worth it, probably won't be, but definitely worth looking into IMO.

I don't see you coming out in a great position $$$ wise no matter how you go about buying/switching bikes out. You may just have to eat it though. My advice, should you go with the new bike route, is to deal with the Giant long enough to get the bike you know is right for you. Take your time shopping and don't settle or you'll just be in this position again.