[rns61373]

I have Shimano Sora and my brother has Shimano 105's..... Is there a huge difference?

[Industry_Hack]

Yes. In weight as well as tolerances, which leads to better performance.

[John_V]

What Hack said. However, I understand that Shimano made some improvements to the Sora components for 2012. The thumb shifter is no more, although I really liked it on my Defy, and the derailleurs are a bit smoother when shifting. I haven't ridden a bike with the new Sora line, but this is what the guys at the LBS are saying.

[rynoman03]

Ask StormStrikes he went from Sora to S105.

[Industry_Hack]

For what it's worth, neither will make you a better rider.

All you get is crisper, more reliable shifting. Especially under load.

[rns61373]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

For what it's worth, neither will make you a better rider.

All you get is crisper, more reliable shifting. Especially under load.

Thank you! That's what I wanted to know!!!

[omnivox42]

I am also looking to upgrade from Sora to 105. I want to swap both the shifters and the rear derailleur.

[synack]

For those who don't care as much for weight or performance gains, and only want to get rid of the thumb shifters, there is also Shimano Tiagra. I swapped the shifters on my Trek 1.2 from Sora shifters to Tiagra so I could get the lever shifters. I have no complaints about those, and they cost less than 105.