(Sora vs 105) Need opinion on which to pick from a seemingly close comparison
 

Casual upgrading to road cycling. Ordering from a local bike shop and wondering which to pick. My main goal is a decent road bike that will run smoothly and quiet minimizing issues like chain rub and chain slip while not being too overwhelming for someone new upgrading to a road bike. TLDR: 105 R7000, rim breaks vs Sora R3000, hydraulic disk brakes. The 105 version is priced 200$ higher. Looking for opinions and additional insight.


105 (200$ higher)

Frame Carbon T700 R03

Fork Carbon T700 R03 OL:100mm

Handlebars "EXCEL components" Aluminum 31.8 Clamp

Stem "EXCEL components" Aluminum 31.8X110 28.6±7°

Seatpost "EXCEL components" T700 Carbon, R03 350mm

Handlebar Tape PU, 3WPG-BK, 2150x30mm

Saddle YBT-6035

Headset NECO H373MPS/286G

Left Shifter SHIMANO 105 ST-R7000,2-SPEED LEFT

Right Shifter SHIMANO 105 ST-R7000,11-SPEED RIGHT

Front Derailleur SHIMANO 105 FD-R7000-L, DOWN-SWING

Rear Derailleur SHIMANO 105 RD-R7000, GS 11-SPEED

Brake Caliper TEKTRO R313 39-52MM ED

Cassette SHIMANO 105, CS-R7000, 11-SPEED, 11-30T

Crankset PROWHEEL VICTOR-621C-TT , 50-34T

Chain KMC X11 108L

Pedals LP-658A Alloy, 9/16"BR

Rims "EXCEL components" Aluminum, Double wall rim, H:36mm, 700C 14Gx20H/24H

Front hub NUVOLE, Two bearings, 20H*14G M9*108*100, W/QR, Anodized

Rear hub NUVOLE, Four bearings, 24H*14G M10*140*130 ,W/QR,Anodized

Tire Continental, Ultra Sport II (C304 SL) 700x25C Wire

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Sora:

Frame Carbon T700 R08

Fork Carbon T700 M12*100 R08

Handlebars "EXCEL components" Aluminum, SM-AL-197TP 400L*31.8

Stem "EXCEL components" Aluminum, SM-AL-106-8 31.8*90 28.6±7°

Seatpost "EXCEL components" Carbon T700, R08 350mm

Handlebar Tape PU SINGLE-COLOR Dream Black

Saddle YBT-6035#

Headset GH-540 Bearing 1-1/8" 28.6*47*47

Left Shifter SHIMANO SORA ST-R3000-L, LEFT, 2-SPEED

Right Shifter SHIMANO SORA ST-R3000-R, RIGHT, 9-SPEED

Front Derailleur SHIMANO SORA FD-R3000

Rear Derailleur SHIMANO SORA RD-R3000 GS DIRECT ATTACHMENT

Brake Caliper PRO, A8000 Hydraulic brake

Brake rotor PRO ,AR18, 140MM, Red center

Cassette SUNSHINE,ROAD-CS-HR9-32 9S 11T-32T

Bottom Bracket SHIMANO SM-BBR60

Crankset PHOWHEEL OUNCE-421C-TT-N,34-50T*170mm BB86

Chain KMC Z9 1/2''X11/128'' 108L grey

Pedals LP-658A Alloy, 9/16"BR

Rims "EXCEL components" Aluminum, double wall rim, H:30mm 700C*28H*14G,F/V

Front hub NUVOLE,288F 2BS 4G*28H M12*100 Anodized black

Rear hub NUVOLE ,288F 2BS 14G*28H M12*142 Anodized black

Tire CST C1808 700x28C DK27

I'd go with the disc brake version. It is a cable actuated hydraulic brake (fluid is only in the caliper) which probably should be pretty good. Shimano R3000 is also very solid.

Id go 105, every time. However, is the 105-equipped frame disc compatible? If so, get that one. If not, it becomes a harder decision.

I'm already pushing my budget so im pretty much keeping them as is for now. Since they are closely priced I just wanna know what's the best value in terms of getting performance and longevity out of them. I'm still a beginner and have a decent amount of long slight climbs in the area but im not planning on any hardcore mountain road descents/climbs in the near future. Im also curious about why the price is so close as 105 seems to be a decently more expensive group set (I.e is the 105 bike lacking somewhere else that lets it be so closely priced to a sora build).

I'd normally say Sora, 10 speed is fine. But after owning a disc brake bike for 3 years now I say get the 105/rim brake option.

Personally I would take the 105.

It looks like they're saving money on brakes (tektro), cranks and wheels on the 105 build. The Sora build also cuts a few corners, including brakes - none of that is unusual. The relative closeness in price probably comes down to disc vs. rim.

Personally, I'd go with the 105 if you aren't doing lots of descents or riding in the wet. Sora is fine, but new 105 is simply spectacular in terms of feel / shift quality.

Just echoing most here by saying, "Get the 105."

This is interesting, definitely closer than you usually see. I think the choice should come down to if your weather and terrain call for disc brakes. I'd pick the 105 bike unless you really need the discs.

Obviously Tiagra is the right choice here.

I'm in the 'go with 105' group.

105 no question.

Personally sora would be a deal breaker for me. So 105 without hesitation. But tiagra would also be awesome.

If you don't know why you want 11 speeds, then the Sora equipped bike has a lower ratio at least which might help you on some hills. After you ride if several thousand miles you'll know based on your own experience and won't have to ask others next time. Getting the lower priced bike will leave you some to start saving for your next bike.

105 11 speed would be my usual choice over Sora 9 speed. But the 105 bike has too many components on it that aren't 105. And while the Sora bike has a lot of other cheap components, at least it has hydraulic brakes which would be my choice for any bike that comes with disc brakes.

Have both 105 R7000 and Sora R3000. Wife has current Tiara. My preference in order:

105 disc

Tiagra disc

105 rim

Sora disc.

I have used two or three different versions of 105 (and currently own a bike that has the 2018 version, 5800), and three different versions of Sora, over the past ~20 years. In fairness, I have not tried the most current edition of Sora...but none of the Sora components I have used came close to the precision and palapable quality fit&finish, of any of the 105 components, especially the most current 105 stuff.

Get 105.

Ditto on the 105, it's a much better group than Sora.

But the 105 isn't a complete groupset. The bike is a mish mash of other components which is more typical in very cheap bikes.

bikes are 1.3 for sora 1.5k for the 105 which seems reasonable for a new bike but ultimately still on the low end in terms of roadbikes

I had a 105 mix. Color me unimpressed. Upgraded to full 6800 Ultegra and it was like riding a completely new bike.

Do yourself a favor and save your duckets until you can afford Ultegra.

I'd pick 105. It's really good, but also a whole lot more upgradable since it's 100% compatible with Ultegra and Dura-Ace.

R7000 is much closer to R8000 than 5700 was to 6800.

Yes but it would be relatively simple to upgrade the non-105 components to 105 components when the budget allows.

There is an entire group set version for an extra 1k for shimano 105 cranks, cassette, bottom bracket and brakes. I get it would be optimal but for a medium budget beginner it seems like a big jump (1.8k vs 2.8k) for more elements to be brand name. However, If everything does go well and after a ton of riding if i do need part replacement I would aim for 105 parts to be the replacements.

Basically, for a starter am I still getting a decent bike even thought only 4/7 parts are 105 branded.