You can go into details but the short answer is that the 5800 groupset is amazing. I have a Sora groupset and a 5800 groupset bike.
The later never fails with shifting (i.e. no mis-shifts), the 5800 brakes are amazing. But to me the big difference is the crankset. The 5800 2 piece crankset compared to the 3 piece octolink stuff. The former feels like every once of power is going into the drive train.
If I recall the 5800 groupset is also about 1+ pound lighter (5 pounds) vs (6.5 pounds).
Originally Posted by
FlashBazbo
I've got a Specialized Allez Sport equipped with 2017 Shimano Sora (9-speed). I've got a 2017 Shimano 105 groupset (11-speed) in the box that I've got to decide whether to use or return. If I install it, there's no turning back.
Has anyone here ridden both groups? Obviously, the 105 11-speed offers closer ratios -- not a bad thing on the big climbs. But besides the fact that one is 9-speed and the other 11-speed, what are the functional differences between the two groups? Lever throw? Shift smoothness? Crank flex? The ergonomics seem pretty much identical. Are the two added ratios and the lighter, thinner chain the only real differences? If you've ridden both Sora and 105 enough to form an opinion, what differences stand out to you?
I know the standard response is going to be, "Only YOU can tell the difference. Go test ride." But I can't go test ride. I'm a long way from the nearest LBS. That's why I'm asking the question. (If that's your response, spare us.)