Shimano Sora 3500 vs Shimano Tiagra 4600

[bruith]

Is the performance difference between the Shimano Sora 3500 and Tiagra 4600 really that noticeable?

 

[Broadside]

IMO yes it is pretty noticeable. The main difference is slickness with Tiagra and a very slightly quicker shift. Tiagra also let's you change to an easier gear on the cassette three gears at a time if you want, Sora only allows a max jump of two gears with a full swing of the lever.

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

I've just put Sora 3500 on one of my bikes, and compared to 105 5700 on my "better" bike the difference is negligible. Obviously 9 vs 10 speed. Main thing I notice is changing (carefully) up and down a gear while climbing is vastly better on 105 but nothing to write home about.