Just adding to maximum01's comments above re: components.
The Alivio derailleur and Sora shifters work quite well in my experience so far. Shifting is smooth and accurate. I am also quite happy to have brifters on the bike.
This point stood out when I was riding behind a cyclist with bar end shifters in the city here, watching how many times his hand position changed while I was able to stay on the hoods and not shift my body at all to shift.