Swapping out components. Tiagra or Deore?

[IBrakeforPastry]

Actually, they have to switch out the rear derailleur, too. The existing components are SRAM and the mechanism is reversed. They'll match the derailleur to the shifter. I just have to decide. I'm leaning towards the Tiagra.

[pumpkinpony]

Actually, they have to switch out the rear derailleur, too. The existing components are SRAM and the mechanism is reversed. They'll match the derailleur to the shifter. I just have to decide. I'm leaning towards the Tiagra.

I'd put the best you can afford to on it. The Tiagra was a huge improvement over the Sora that came off my bike!

[rebeccaC]

+1 on the best you can afford
have you looked at all the sram trigger shifters or would their gripshift work?

[IBrakeforPastry]

+1 on the best you can afford
have you looked at all the sram trigger shifters or would their gripshift work?

I haven't looked at other SRAM. The problem I'm having is that both shifters are thumb-operated. One is behind the other and my thumb just doesn't reach the further one without bending my wrist all the way under (or back - it's hard to explain). It just isn't comfortable or efficient. The Shimano uses thumb and finger. I'm more comfortable with that setup.

I'm a little disappointed because I bought a higher end model because I do like to get the best I can afford (or need). I test rode a different model in the store for size, then ordered the "better" one, not realizing that the shifters would be so different.

[Catrin]

I've hand problems (arthritis) and I really liked the SRAM grip shifters. FOR ME it worked to have SRAM 9 grips for the big ring and thumb for the little. My hands were quite happy with the hybrid shifter combo but grips would have been fine on both sides.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Thanks for the input. I went back to the shop today and ordered the Tiagra. I brought along my hardly-ridden Terry bike to see if we can make it fit. Close, but I wasn't 100% happy, so we set that project aside. He does take trade-ins, so I'm thinking of trading in the Terry, and using the credit towards the new components on the Vita, and maybe upgrading my Dolce, as well. Last summer we tried replacing the drop bar with an "M" bar. It's like a narrow mustache bar. I didn't follow through at the time, but now I think it will be a good move. He thinks I can use the existing STI shifters until I decide if I like the setup.

Catrin - I've tried grip shifters. They were fun, but after a while I found my wrist/elbow/forearm (I forgot which) was achy.