Originally Posted by joejack951

It just hurts my brain to read stuff like your quoted comment. That's all. I'll PM you next time you say something of that sort if you'd prefer.

My useful contribution: OP, 105 is nice. You'll do just fine on anything from Tiagra down to Claris, though. Don't feel like you need to spend more to get great shifting. Shimano delivers at all levels. You get less weight, more cogs, and a little more refinement as you jump up levels, but until you know you are sold on road cycling, I'd highly recommend spending less to start than a 105-equipped bike will cost you. It can always become your bad weather bike when you 'upgrade.'