seksy_johnny3

hi guys,

i'm really confused with all the talk about carbon, steel, alumuminium, and the various gear systems.

so please explain, firstly whats all this sora, and tiagra stuff? whats best, whats worst, and why is it important which one you have?

Also, with the various metals, please answer the sae questions. i'm really lost, and would appreciate it being explained. i believe in understanding as much as i can about the sport i'm about to take on.

much appreciated,

john

garysol1 

Try this link

CastIron

Sora and Tiagra are, um, 'entry level' component groups made by Shimano, a large and very well reguarded manufacturer of these things. Entry level doesn't mean crap, just not the best they offer. Think Toyota Corolla.

The metals discussed are usually in terms of what the bicycle frame is made from. Each material having various qualities and mixes of materials offering even more combinations. Evyone has a favorite for their tastes and needs.

In bike parts, or components, your choices are generally Aluminum or Carbon Fiber. Carbon is usually the more exotic choice.

thewalrus

For a fun time, try asking the mechanics at your local bike shop for a carbon fibre bike with Sora.

hi565

Thats a god right there! ^^

seksy_johnny3

ok, thanks guys.

when you say "entry level", do u mean a requirement for competition racing??

will most bikes have "entry level" components?

thanks

DannoXYZ 

Entry level meaning for serious riding, perhaps even competition. Definitely more than you need for a recreational 2000 mile/year bike. But if you're more serious than that and will be doing 2000+ miles/year, then "entry level" is your minimum standard really. It'll last longer, cost less in maintenance than the department-store stuff.

Duke of Kent

105 is generally held to be the first "race-ready" compontent group that Shimano offers. Sora and Tiagra are viewed as too heavy, not quick enough (shift-wise), not very smooth, and also not as durable as their more expensive brethren.

Steel, Carbon, Ti, Aluminum and any mix of those materials are all "race-ready". However, the geometry and quality of construction when using said materials will define a bike's ability to be raced.

Eddy Merckx would kill everyone here on a Sora equipped Trek 1000, but a Trek 5.9 SSL equipped Merckx would own the 1000 riding Merckx any day of the week.

Just remember: it's the "engine" (your legs, lungs, heart, delivery system, and BRAIN), not the bike that will get you there. Once you have a fairly competitive "engine" go out and splurge.

Phantoj

I want to see Merckx on the 1000 vs. Armstrong on the 5.9 SSL...

trayer350

The most important thing is gaining fitness and your joy at riding a bicycle. Everything else is nonsense, but people will try to convince you it matters. In some cases, someone with Tiagra, who is fit, can fly past someone with Campagnolo Record 10.

Elvish Legion

I want to see Armstrong on a unicycle and me on any the 1000

catatonic

Yep, the bike, aside from fit, is a small thing compared to the rider.

You will find though, that once you hit a certain level, you may find some bike parts to not be up to par. I found some forks get a bit weird at high speeds for example....but often those forks are the ones that are more comfortable at lower speeds.

Weight is just that....rotational weight only equals faster accelration and deceleration...other than that, it's no different than any other weight.

Aerodynamics makes a difference, but only in the direction it was designed to benefit. In my opinion, don't worry about aerodynamics. Losing a beer belly would give higher aero gains than a full aero bike. (I should know...I got a nice beer belly)

Now, what I would like to see is Lance on a beach cruiser. Some big old thing with a basket, lights integrated with the fenders, chainguard, rack painted to match with crate tied to it, etc.

As for components...I'd say if you go with shimano, start with Tiagra. Reason is Sora shifters are different from the rest of their line. That way, you are at least getting used to the shifters the rest of their line uses, if the urge to upgrade ever crosses your mind.

kosherdave

The ********* on a unicycle...

cs1

It's really easy

Campagnolo = the best
ShimaNo = the rest
Steel = the best frame material ever
Aluminum = OCP's favorite for the 1990's
Carbon fiber = OCP's new favorite which relegated aluminum back to it's pop can beginings
Aluminum with carbon stays = an over priced pop can that still isn't as good as steel
Titanium = 10 times the cost of steel with no apparent advantage except bragging rights on how much you spent.

That should get you through your dilemma.

Tim