Bicycle Mechanics - difference between Shimano Sora and others

I want to know what the differences are between Shimano Sora, and the higher level groupos. The only big difference I can figure out is shifting.

I'm running a fixed gear bike, so shifting doesn't mean a thing to me, and in fact I would probably be happier knowing that the thing was unlikely to shift. So should I be worried about other things?

andy

basically the sora is the lower end components for your road bike. The difference? well they weigh more then say dura ace, and are most likely not going to last as long. remember these are the low end stuff shimano makes. you may be better off going with a 105 groupo as it may last longer. and if it's a fixed gear, you do not have to purchase a 105 sti shift/brake level, there is a simple brake level without the shifter. I have it on my bike. hope this helps :D

Sora is an 8-speed group, all the others are 9-speed. So while you can use higher-end parts with Sora parts, you'll turn them into 8-speed parts. The upgrade to 9-speed would be very expensive, since you'd have to replace the levers, which are the most expensive part.

Sora stuff is cruder and heavier also, but it's still well-made and not crappy.

The levers are nice for beginners and casual riders; the thumb buttons are handy unless you need to shift from the drops, which is mostly a racer thing. And they're reach-adjustable, the only Shimano levers that are -- a boon for small-handed riders.

All other things being equal, I'd recommend spending the extra for Tiagra or better. It opens up more possibilities for future upgrades, and bikes with Sora are sometimes bottom-of-the-line in other ways as well. Again, not bad bikes; just bikes that may reveal their limitations sooner rather than later.

RichC