regulators

Is it easy to replace the shifters on a road bike? Specifically, I'm considering removing the Shimano Sora shifters and replacing with 105's.

I would appreciate any advice from people that have any experience with this.

maddmaxx 

It requires that you unwrap the bars and rewrap when done. (usually with new wrap). It also requires that you remove the cables, both shift and brake. (You may or may not need new inner cables depending on how they fray when removed).

After that you will find a half round indentation on the outside of the shifter body. If you lift the hoods at that point you will see the mounting screw for the brifter to the bar. Off and on is not too difficult if you can handle the cable installation (including setup on the brakes and derailleurs) and the bar wrap.

Are you planning on replacing Sora 8 speed with 105 9 speed or 10 speed. Either will require a lot more equipment to go with the shifters, ie new cassette, new chain, possible new front and rear derailleurs.

rmfnla

Ask your LBS if you can watch them do it (asuming they have a comperble repair in the shop).

A picture is worth 1,000 words and a demonstration is worth 1,000 pictures.

regulators

Replacing eight speed with nine speed is the plan. The FD is trash and could use replacing, the RD is questionable at best, so overhauling to the 105 group wouldn't be a horrible idea, but I'm sure that would be pricey. It's my favorite bike and I'd rather upgrade some components than purchase a new bike

BikingGrad80

Since everyone is upgrading from 9 speed to 10, soon to be 11 for Campy, you might be able to score a cheap 9 speed 105 or even Ultegra group off craigs list or ebay. Otherwise it would probably be cheaper to buy a Bikes direct bike or used bike and swap the parts.

Anyways it not not that difficult but it will probably take a full day of work fussing with lever position and FD position and retaping the bars and readjusting the dérailleurs.