2008 Sora...
06-23-07, 09:10 PM
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2008 Sora...
https://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/..._groupset.html
It's a shame they are still keeping Sora held back in the brifters.
It's a shame they are still keeping Sora held back in the brifters.
06-23-07, 09:25 PM
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fascinating. the groupset looks really nice, quite pretty. and then it has the Sora-specific design of the levers. Why? Shimano used to have their lowest road group (RSX) with standard-design STI levers.
I'm still curious why Shimano introduced the different design in Sora, their lowest road group for the past few years. Is it
I'm still curious why Shimano introduced the different design in Sora, their lowest road group for the past few years. Is it
- cheaper to produce? (possible, but doubtful)
- intentional down-engineering to make something worse, and give impetus to upgrade to higher groups?
- actually preferable for the sort of people who'll be riding Sora-equipped bikes? (possible, I know that some people like the Sora design better than typical Shimano STI levers, and people riding Sora bikes are, on average, doing a different sort of riding than people riding Ultegra)
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06-23-07, 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by timcupery
fascinating. the groupset looks really nice, quite pretty. and then it has the Sora-specific design of the levers. Why? Shimano used to have their lowest road group (RSX) with standard-design STI levers.
I'm still curious why Shimano introduced the different design in Sora, their lowest road group for the past few years. Is it
I'm still curious why Shimano introduced the different design in Sora, their lowest road group for the past few years. Is it
- cheaper to produce? (possible, but doubtful)
- intentional down-engineering to make something worse, and give impetus to upgrade to higher groups?
- actually preferable for the sort of people who'll be riding Sora-equipped bikes? (possible, I know that some people like the Sora design better than typical Shimano STI levers, and people riding Sora bikes are, on average, doing a different sort of riding than people riding Ultegra)
But who knows, maybe some people find the same direction shifts counterintuitive.
06-24-07, 12:00 AM
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I personally love the Sora thumb shifters. Their the most crisp shifting I've ever use. The only drawback is that you can't shift from the drops. But who am I kidding, I ride probably like 80% on the hoods.
06-24-07, 03:25 AM
#6
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Originally Posted by TO11MTM
https://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/..._groupset.html
It's a shame they are still keeping Sora held back in the brifters.
It's a shame they are still keeping Sora held back in the brifters.
Maybe it's a secret Japanese plan to slowly introduce the world to the superior Campagnolo style shifting. They'll start at the bottom and slowly integrate thumb shifters upwards. Eventually there will be thumb shifters on Dura Ace. Or, maybe I'll just stop dreaming of Campy world domination. Seems like Shimano has become the Toyota of the bicycle world.
Tim
06-24-07, 07:37 AM
#7
Jet Jockey
9-speed, huh?
Does this mean that Shimano has officially rendered 8-speed basically extinct? Some of you may think it's silly, but that really upsets me. I am personally a fan of 8-speed. The durability, longevity...yet adequate versatility of an 8 speed drivetrain are great for my commuter. I LIKE the fact that the chain is a bit beefier. Are we soon to have everything in 10 speed? It may seem bizarre to some here, but I ride 8 speed by choice.
Hmmmph. I'm a bit upset now.
Does this mean that Shimano has officially rendered 8-speed basically extinct? Some of you may think it's silly, but that really upsets me. I am personally a fan of 8-speed. The durability, longevity...yet adequate versatility of an 8 speed drivetrain are great for my commuter. I LIKE the fact that the chain is a bit beefier. Are we soon to have everything in 10 speed? It may seem bizarre to some here, but I ride 8 speed by choice.
Hmmmph. I'm a bit upset now.
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06-24-07, 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by shakeNbake
I personally love the Sora thumb shifters. Their the most crisp shifting I've ever use. The only drawback is that you can't shift from the drops. But who am I kidding, I ride probably like 80% on the hoods.
06-24-07, 10:46 AM
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I like the 8 sp, find the shifting very slick. I modified the buttons so I can shift from the drops.
06-24-07, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by timcupery
fascinating. the groupset looks really nice, quite pretty. and then it has the Sora-specific design of the levers. Why? Shimano used to have their lowest road group (RSX) with standard-design STI levers.
I'm still curious why Shimano introduced the different design in Sora, their lowest road group for the past few years. Is it
I'm still curious why Shimano introduced the different design in Sora, their lowest road group for the past few years. Is it
- cheaper to produce? (possible, but doubtful)
- intentional down-engineering to make something worse, and give impetus to upgrade to higher groups?
- actually preferable for the sort of people who'll be riding Sora-equipped bikes? (possible, I know that some people like the Sora design better than typical Shimano STI levers, and people riding Sora bikes are, on average, doing a different sort of riding than people riding Ultegra)
I greatly prefer the Sora/Campagnolo style shift interface to the other Shimano models, because it is a different motion for upshifting than for downshifting. I find this reduces confusion.
The Sora brifters also have a unique advantage: they're the only drop-bar brake levers with a reach adjustment, making them THE best choice for riders with short fingers.
The biggest problem with Sora is dealing with snobbery and the stigma of low price.
Sheldon "Soraphile" Brown
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06-24-07, 11:18 AM
#11
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So where will we be in a few more years. All groups are 10 speed? Meaning that now I have to replace all my hubs and rebuild my wheels when my last compatible brifter breaks?
Will my choices be cheap 10 speed that has serious durability issues, and expensive 10 speed that has silly prices for the riding that I do?
Yes, the new group LOOKS nice...but I'm getting sour about everything going to 10 speed. Maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy old man before my time.
Will my choices be cheap 10 speed that has serious durability issues, and expensive 10 speed that has silly prices for the riding that I do?
Yes, the new group LOOKS nice...but I'm getting sour about everything going to 10 speed. Maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy old man before my time.
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06-24-07, 01:25 PM
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Shimano still makes STI shifters for 7 and 8 speeds, in their "high quality components" (not part of a group, but usually 105 or Ultegra-level) category. Cheaper mountain bikes will probably continue to use 8-speed gearing for a few more years.
If I build a touring bike, it'll probably have 8-speed with bar-end shifters.
If I build a touring bike, it'll probably have 8-speed with bar-end shifters.
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06-24-07, 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
So where will we be in a few more years. All groups are 10 speed? Meaning that now I have to replace all my hubs and rebuild my wheels when my last compatible brifter breaks?
Will my choices be cheap 10 speed that has serious durability issues, and expensive 10 speed that has silly prices for the riding that I do?
Yes, the new group LOOKS nice...but I'm getting sour about everything going to 10 speed. Maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy old man before my time.
Will my choices be cheap 10 speed that has serious durability issues, and expensive 10 speed that has silly prices for the riding that I do?
Yes, the new group LOOKS nice...but I'm getting sour about everything going to 10 speed. Maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy old man before my time.
Shimano 10 speed cassettes fit the same hubs used for 8- and 9-speed setups. Campagnolo 10 speed cassettes fit 9-speed hubs. No need to replace your hubs or rebuild your wheels.
To convert a Shimano 8- or 9-speed bike to 10-speed all you need is:
•10-speed shifters.
•10-speed cassette
•10-speed chain
•10-speed handlebar tape. (Rumor has it that 9-speed handlebar tape works too...)
Sheldon "Sora Doesn't Come In 10-speed" Brown
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06-24-07, 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
So where will we be in a few more years. All groups are 10 speed? Meaning that now I have to replace all my hubs and rebuild my wheels when my last compatible brifter breaks?
Will my choices be cheap 10 speed that has serious durability issues, and expensive 10 speed that has silly prices for the riding that I do?
Yes, the new group LOOKS nice...but I'm getting sour about everything going to 10 speed. Maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy old man before my time.
Will my choices be cheap 10 speed that has serious durability issues, and expensive 10 speed that has silly prices for the riding that I do?
Yes, the new group LOOKS nice...but I'm getting sour about everything going to 10 speed. Maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy old man before my time.
If you had Campy, you could rebuild those shifters.
06-24-07, 04:52 PM
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I'm surprised no one has mentioned the new "optical gear display." I'd think this would be the biggest upgrade for the entry-level users they're marketed for. I'll even admit to finding that handy on occasion myself.
Scott
Scott
06-24-07, 06:14 PM
#16
Jet Jockey
Originally Posted by Sheldon Brown
Shimano 10 speed cassettes fit the same hubs used for 8- and 9-speed setups.
Originally Posted by Sheldon Brown
•10-speed handlebar tape. (Rumor has it that 9-speed handlebar tape works too...)
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06-24-07, 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
However, why do hubs typically specify 8/9 speed, or 10 speed? I don't believe I've ever seen 8/9/10 speed listed for a hub.
I know very little about ten speed stuff, because I've never used it. But the last three or four Shimano freehubs I've bought were listed as 8/9/10 speed compatible-
06-25-07, 07:48 AM
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Originally Posted by nitropowered
If you had Campy, you could rebuild those shifters.
That's what I've done for a few friends. I personally use my Campy Record front and Dura-Ace back by choice... at least on my high mileage roadie. My left hand seems more comfortable on Campy. And, I like the flick action for my right...call me crazy.
06-25-07, 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by timcupery
fascinating. the groupset looks really nice, quite pretty. and then it has the Sora-specific design of the levers. Why? Shimano used to have their lowest road group (RSX) with standard-design STI levers.
I'm still curious why Shimano introduced the different design in Sora, their lowest road group for the past few years. Is it
I'm still curious why Shimano introduced the different design in Sora, their lowest road group for the past few years. Is it
- cheaper to produce? (possible, but doubtful)
- intentional down-engineering to make something worse, and give impetus to upgrade to higher groups?
- actually preferable for the sort of people who'll be riding Sora-equipped bikes? (possible, I know that some people like the Sora design better than typical Shimano STI levers, and people riding Sora bikes are, on average, doing a different sort of riding than people riding Ultegra)
06-25-07, 04:17 PM
#20
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Originally Posted by Mr. Underbridge
So they come up with a design that no "serious" cyclist would want to use. Additionally, most of the people I see riding lower end bikes ride on the hoods anyway (even if they have the fully integrated levers).
Tim
06-25-07, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by cs1
Up until Lance Armstrong won his seven tours, Shimano didin't have many, if any, showings in the winners circle. It was all Campy. I'd say that some serious cyclists who use brifters with thumb levers. Try again
Tim
Tim
06-25-07, 06:07 PM
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Death fork? Naaaah!!
Ah, correct me if I'm wrong, but the Sora brifters are the only Shimano ones with the thumb lever. And I'm also pretty sure that USPS/Discovery didn't use Sora.
Top
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06-25-07, 06:34 PM
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Originally Posted by cs1
I hope you're not refering to the thumb levers. Up until Lance Armstrong won his seven tours, Shimano didin't have many, if any, showings in the winners circle. It was all Campy. I'd say that some serious cyclists who use brifters with thumb levers. Try again
Tim
Tim
I've never used Campy, but my understanding is the placement is different for the buttons. I never said buttons were inherently evil, but if they're placed in the wrong area they can't be used well for speed. With Sora, it seems uncomfortable to shift from the drops. If you're suggesting that serious cyclists get up on the hoods to upshift, I'd be surprised. Certainly would detrimentally affect "teh aero".
06-25-07, 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by top506
Ah, correct me if I'm wrong, but the Sora brifters are the only Shimano ones with the thumb lever.
And I'm also pretty sure that USPS/Discovery didn't use Sora.
Top
Top
One point that may not be apparent to those who haven't ridden both types is that the thumb levers (aka mouse ears) on Campy Ergos are positioned quite differently from those on Sora levers. The Ergo's can easily be shifted from any hand position where as Sora apparently can't.
06-25-07, 07:38 PM
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Hmm.. all this hype.
I'm feeling ancient with my 7-speed RSX group. But then I converted my crankset from a triple to a single. Anyone else notice the 2-piece crankset with the Sora group? Does this mean it uses outboard bottom brackets? It says integrated..
I'm feeling ancient with my 7-speed RSX group. But then I converted my crankset from a triple to a single. Anyone else notice the 2-piece crankset with the Sora group? Does this mean it uses outboard bottom brackets? It says integrated..