Inpd

Hi,

So one can purchase the entire 105 groupset for under $400 from overseas and even local (https://www.planetcyclery.com/index....u_0aAtd48P8HAQ)

But I can't find a seller that sells the entire Claris or Sora groupset. A few eBay retailers will sell the Claris STIs and cranks but I figure if for <$400 I can get the 105 groupset (brakes, cranks, STI, chain, FD, RD etc.) I should be able to purchase the Claris groupset for around $200 and put it on my kids bike I'm building up.


Thanks.

Darth Lefty 

Probably the margins are too small for them to deal with and demand is low since they are not seen as upgrades by most people.

HillRider

Here is the complete Sora groupset for $350: Amazon.com : SHIMANO Sora 3500 9 Speed Road Bike Groupset Group Set Black : Bike Shifters And Parts : Sports & Outdoors

Here is Amazon's listing for all of the Claris components individually: https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_1vpoicgmck_b

A quick addition seems to add up to around $200 for the STI's, crank, both derailleurs, cassette and brakes.

I expect there is very little consumer call for Claris as a complete group since it typically is only fitted to entry level bikes to keep the price point down. Most riders building up a new bike will want to start with something better.

RandomTroll

Have you priced parts?

dtrain

Sora 3500 is available via Ribble for $232 - but I'd say the new Tiagra 4700 is the better deal at <$52 more. I don't believe I've seen Claris offered...

Ribble Cycles Groupset Creator

Inpd

Thanks! I was just searching planetcyclery, merlin etc never thought of Amazon.

mstateglfr 

i googled 'Sora groupset' and came up with the following. I didnt bother to google Claris. Seem like pretty complete options. No hubs, but those can be had individually.

Shimano Sora 3500 9 Speed Road Bike Groupset Group Set Build Kits Gruppos Black | eBay
https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-Speed-.../dp/B00BQU9QR6
New Shimano Sora Road 3500 3550 9 Speed Road Bike Groupset Group Set Black | eBay
New Shimano Sora Road 3500 9 Speed Bike Groupset Group Set Black with Brake | eBay
New Shimano Sora Road 3500 2x9 Speed Bike Complete Groupset Group Gruppos | eBay
Shimano Sora 3500 9 Spd Triple Groupset at Ribble Cycles

mstateglfr 

Looks like Ribble and Ebay are cheaper.

HillRider

E-bay is always iffy but Ribble is a reliable source and their prices are usually as good as you can find. Check Wiggle too as they are also a good supplier.

rmfnla

I suspect most people who go to the trouble of building up a bike will want to do so with better components...

Andy_K 

I like Ribble. I pieced together a mostly 5700-series 105 group from them last summer. Those of us still desperately clutching our 10-speed wheel sets are quickly running out of options, though from what I hear the 4700-series Tiagra might be better than the 5700-series 105. I hope they keep the Tiagra triple alive in future generations. I don't care how big of a cog I can put on my cassette, I don't like compact doubles.

gsa103

The problem is that the economics don't really scale the way you might think. When Claris is ~$250, it doesn't take much of a jump to get Tiagra or 105. If you think about the complexity of the parts there's very little difference between Claris and 105, so production costs probably don't change much.

dtrain

Plus (from the seller's angle) it takes just as long to box up Claris as it does 105, costs them just as much to ship Claris, etc. I'm kind of surprised that Ribble offers Sora 3500...

mstateglfr 

What is iffy about a seller with a 99.1% rating when you are also protected by eBay's payment policies?

ltxi

pita, at best, when things don't go well.

mstateglfr 

I have heard the horror stories, but they have all been with private sellers and used items.

I have had only good experiences buying new and used. Even stuff from China and Taiwan has been as expected.

Astrozombie

There is such little difference I wonder why they don't just consolidate this stuff.

rmfnla

I agree; I have had great results buying on the 'bay.

The best part is if you don't like a component or need a different size you can sell the one you no longer need...