Claris or Sora - will a novice notice the difference?

[Drago]

Nothing, except cosmetic finish number of gears. Claris is, in effect, old Sora mech with new Sora brifters painted a slightly different shade. Aside from one less cog there is zero difference as far as the rider or owner is concerned.

 

[raleighnut]

What's the difference? I don't mean technically as I assume it's better, I mean with regards to performance/maintenance/longevity etc.

Sealed square taper BBs are the work of Satan, square taper are OK it's just that the 'sealed' ones are crap.

 

[outlash]

From experience I would save a little longer and go for a 105 groupset.

Why?

 

[DCLane]

I use Claris, Sora, 105 and Ultegra.

Claris is used on my commuter and it's fine, particularly for someone who's just starting out.