Roaming.Gnome

I'm researching for an entry-level roadbike purchase. In my price range ($600-$700) it seems that Sora shifters are the norm. Reading one of the threads recently in this forum, I noticed a fairly strong dislike for Sora components. Are they really that bad? I know you can get "better" components if you spend more $$ on a bike, but I don't want to spend lots of $$ for my first road bike in 20 years, as I want to make sure I really enjoy bicycling before I put out more cash for a higher end bike. Comments? I would especially like to hear from folks who have some of these "entry-level" bikes with Sora components.

Thanks!

johnny99

Sora is not bad for the price. The shifters work reliably as long as you keep the derailleurs and cables properly adjusted. They aren't as light or as crisp as high end products, but that's not too big a deal for recreational riders. I know several people who do century rides on Sora-equipped bikes and don't complain too much.

One functional issue is that Sora is only 8 speed, while Shimano 105 is now 10 speed (but for a significantly higher price).

Lucky07

RGnome,

I have Sora shifters on my bike and they're fine. The issue that most people seem to have with Sora is that they work differently than the higher end Shimano components. The Sora system has a thumb shifter on the hoods, rather than a shifter behind the brake lever.

If you spend alot of time riding in the drops, you *might* find the thumb shifter inconvenient. If you spend most of your time on the hoods (like I do), it's not an issue at all.

'nother

Try doing a search for 'Sora' . . . this topic or something like it seems to come up about once a month. Actually you should find that despite a vocal minority, many people find Sora to be quite a decent group for the money. It's a wise choice for someone who's "testing the waters" without shelling out mounds of cash. You likely would not notice any performance difference as compared to 105, Ultegra, or DuraAce.

Beyond the thumb-shift and 8-speed issues mentioned above, the higher-priced components might get you a little less weight on the bike (and a lot less weight in your wallet), but not much more. OK, well, maybe poseur points and increased Bling Factor

Roaming.Gnome

Well, as to the number of gears, my last road bike--a Sears bike circa 1985--only had 12 speeds, so I figure 24 speeds is quite an upgrade!

'nother

Exactly. You'll be fine . . . just . . . try not to listen to idiots that are hung up on brands and bling.

I'm one of those guys johnny99 is talking about, I've ridden several century+ rides, and have about 6,000 miles on my Sora-equipped bike. I can't tell that it puts me at any distinct disadvantage compared to my buddy that I ride with who has Ultegra 10. The legs and lungs are the more important "components"

spacefuzz

I have a few friends who are excellent racers and use sora components on their bikes. We are in college and dont have much money. As long as you take care of the bike sora will work fine.

af2nr

This is a GREAT reason to go with a Sora equipped bike. If you are "testing the waters" then there is no reason, unless you find a great deal, to spend more for something other than Sora. I have Sora on mine and since its the only thing I know I have nothing negative to say. I looked at it as saving that money now to decide I wanted to ride and being able to upgrade complete bikes later instead of components. Good luck!

TheCahill

i have sora shifters on 105 group, used 105 deralurs are cheap but brifters are expensive (depending on what you call expensive). take the bike as is. if you think the shifts are rough try upgrading the drailuers down the line.

LSPR_MTU

I'm still fairly new to road riding, as I just got my first roady (Trek 1000) and have only put about 160 miles on it. I don't have too much of a problem with my Sora shifters. I'd shift from the drops if I could, but it's not too much of a problem to reach around quickly and upshift. They're not pristene, but they're fine.

I have a triple front crank on my bike, which has come in handy because I ride on much hillier roads than most people. With this in mind, I wish I had a better quality drive train (Shimano 2203 FD and Tiagra RD). I still occasionally ride on flat loops, so the shifting is fine, but I wish it was a little smoother for the hilly days.

My next bike will surely have a 105 drive train at least, but this bike suits my needs just fine for now. (I secretly have ambitions of racing in sprint tri's, but just working out for now!) Like I said, I'm still quite new to road riding, so take my post with a grain of salt. But I'm not a total slouch either. I'm a pretty active guy and stay in pretty good shape from running and backpacking, and I've been averaging 18-22mph on my rides so far (haven't gone more than about 25 miles yet though).

I'm happy with this bike so far, but I'm defintely taking care of it so I can get a decent resale when I decide to upgrade in a couple years.

My baby...

Hill Climber

My guess is the majority of people who rag on Sora stuff are people who have never ridden Sora stuff. They automatically think because it doesn't have the bling factor, it isn't any good.
Wrong.
I've never had any problems with my Sora shifters. I do have a 105 RD simply because I got a heck of a deal on it, not because there was anything wrong with the Sora RD. Yes, there is a little bit of difference, but if I had to put the Sora RD back on today I would feel completely fine and happy doing so.
Buy the bike you feel comfortable buying and buy the bike you feel comfortable riding.
Don't worry about the "number" of cassette. With a Sora triple, you've got 24 gears. Most people who have Dura Ace or Ultegra have a double crank so they only have 18 or 20 gears. Don't let anyone sway your decision with "it's only an 8 speed" crap.
If you're a pro or a cat 1 racer, yeah, there'll probably be a difference. If you're just starting out, buy the Sora equipped bike, ride the heck out of it and then in a couple of years if you want to move on, you can do so with full knowledge of what you want/need. That's what I plan on doing.

SteveAZ

My wife's bike is Sora equipped, no problems thus far. Stretching cables and the need for adjustment is going to happen with all component groups, especially when new.

Many people will diss the lower end components to justify their expenditures in their own mind. If you're fine with 8 speed and the thumb shift I'd say you're good to go. As for the 8 vs 9 or 10 thing...whatever. I suppose if you're a racer and trying to keep within target heart rate and cadence, maybe it makes a big difference but frankly most entry level riders don't shift that much (from what I've noticed). I'd say you're better off upgrading the cassette to the terrain you're riding, much cheaper and effective.

My .00005 cents

KyTrekrider

My wife and I both have bikes with Sora shifters. I really like them. She could care less but has never had a problem.

I have 1500 miles on my KHS with Sora and not a problem. I think they are a great deal for the money. I do not race but ride for fun with my wife and a neighborhood group. I've done some tours, 70 miles and less. No issues with Sora shifters.

I actually like the thumbshifter and the feel of the hoods. YMMV. Good luck.

baj32161

DOn't listen to all of the elitists in the forums, Sora will do the job fine for you. I see no reason why you should have to spend more than you need on your first roadie in so many years. If the last road bike you bought was 20 years ago then even Sora will be a whole new world for you.

TheKillerPenguin

^ That's a pretty bike. Love the color.

clfjmpr44

Sora is great. I owned a Trek 1000 for five years (oops, have to remove it from my sig cause I just sold it). The only problems I had with the bike were the stock Vuelta wheels. The shifting never let me down.
On a side note, I love the color of that orange 1000. Orange is everything!
A

craign04

sora is fine, i rode a trek 1000 with it for a long time, im not going to lie and say the dura ace stuff on my giant isnt nicer but if you are just getting started sora is a good bang for your buck group to have. Like others have said if you want a little crisper shifting down the road upgrade the derailleurs.

cycle17

My old trek 1000 had Sora Shifters and it rode and shifted well. A little clunkie at times, but it always shifted. If you are just starting out they will be more than fine. Just keep them adjusted correctly. Screw all the people that say you gotta have xyz... this or that to get started. I have two nice bikes now, but when I first started, Sora served me fine. Good Luck!

Serpico

sora is more than good enough

don't overthink things, millions of sora bikes are sold every year--the only people that think it "sucks" are the ones here overthinking stuff

seriously dude--don't sweat it

jfaul4820

my sora's whift when i want them too and thats what i need. the more i get into the biking thing the more i realize it is like golf just because you do or don't have really expensive stuff doesnt translate into true performance for most people. I have seen plenty of people on expensive stuff poking along about 14 mph, maybe it would be 13.5 if they didn't have real expensive stuff.

cuda2k

Sora is a solid group, but if it were me personally, I would probably try to move into a Tiagra equipped bike. Mainly because it is still a very reasonably priced group, has the 9speed cassette and most importantly the 'other' style shifter for down shifts on the brake lever instead of the paddle on the hood. I split my time on the hoods / drops about 70/30 though there are times when I'm in the hoods that it's the downshifts that would be most important as I'm gaining speed downhill. That's my opinion anyways, take it for what it's worth.

AnthonyG

I haven't heard people say that Sora was unreliable. If you don't have small hands then Sora is fine. I on the other hand do have small hands and I didn't like Sora at all. The thumb shifters were abominal for my hands and this is the crux of the problem. Sora being entry level is MORE likely to be fitted to bikes for children and adolescents who may be smaller than average and therefore it's not the best choice. I know racers who have used it and thought it was fine but then they were big and strong which I think makes a big difference when it come's to weather you like Sora or not.

Regards, Anthony

hi565

Its is completely fine.

IU have been using it for a while on my bike. I have to say The thumb shifter isnt the easiest thing ni thw world when your in a place like the drops, but other than that it works perfect. As said before learn how to adjust your own Derailluers, that will help alot with keeping the shifting pretty crisp. As said if you really want to avoid the thumb shifter go with tiagra, but other than the shifters there is no difference. Ok maybe one more gear. Do the sora, it will serve the purpose and do a darn good job.

SushiJoe

Nah, thumb shifters are fine. Campy Chorus is like that (not sure about Record, no one i know has them and i never checked before buying due to price). I like them but I think i do like the Shimano way better. I have bikes equipped both ways but the look of carbon is slick. (read: bling)

dcon

For an entry level bike, Sora is fine. I rode Sora. I ride Campy now, mainly because I can reach the thumb shifter from the drops on Campy and because I just like the way Campy shifts. That said, I do almost all my riding in about 3 or 4 gears. Not much shifting going on. If you're not racing, don't sweat it.