Sora Vs. Tiagra, please help

[TigerMom]

If you can afford the better shifter, definitely do it! If you can feel and notice the better quality (especially since you are an experienced biker), you will regret going cheaper, especially since you plan on having this bike long term. The more you enjoy riding your bike, the more likely you will bike and stay fit for years to come!

[amb]

I second checking out used - there seems to be some nice bikes on CL at any given time. Maybe you can get more bang for your buck there. I agree that the nicer your bike (and components), the more you'l use it and enjoy it. Good luck!

[Skippyak]

BD has great bang for your buck, but if you need hand holding then your LBS is going to have to be your choice, used is going to be a potential issue for size and set up. I think your budget needs to be at least a K though. WHo set up your BD bike and why did you choose thumb shifters? Chain falling off is a set up problem, not a component issue. While it is nice to get a new bike, components are not going to make you love riding. Bike set up and maintenance and tweaking is part of the activity, so if you need someone to do that then you are going to want a relationship with your local bike shop. My first and second bikes are from BD but I sleep with my bike fixing man. My friends with less practical husbands pay other people to do the sort of stuff that keeps a bike riding well. For sure my first BD bike was a bit of a learning experience, but due to our set up, nothing else. Many people will pay a local bike shop to make sure these bikes are properly tweaked.

[angcenturion]

I decided on a Nashbar bike. They had a blank white womens specific frame with Shimano 105 components and adjustable shifters for small hands. I got a coupon for 25% off and it even worked on the bike. Got it for a steal at $525. Delivered tomorrow, am excited!