Hi,

I'd definitely say that you should get the elite for the better components - it'll make it so you won't want to upgrade the bike as soon.

The tiagra components will be better than the sora, the extra gear in the back may help with hills or finding a comfortable gearing.

I think maybe you should try negotiating with them on price a bit - they have a $300 discount off MSRP on a 2008 model in a small size. SOmething that is hard for them to sell. And, it's 2 bike years later. They should be able to come down a bit more in price.