sora, tiagra, 105, ultegra - whats it all about?

[reohn2]

......It's knowing what you want that's often the problem

Knowing what we need seems to be an even greater one

[jazzkat]

......It's knowing what you want that's often the problem

Knowing what we need seems to be an even greater one

yes that's kind of what I meant

[-walsh-]

I have shimano sora on my road bike, can be annoying when on the drops but when using the hoods its practical. will upgrade eventually when I get some more money!

[willem jongman]

I wonder if one should not abandon the concept of the groupset altogether. That at least is what I intend to do on my next bike - an audax style road bike. The groupsets all aim for a flat out road bike, whereas I really believe many of us mere mortals are better served by an audax style bike. So that means wider tyres and mudguards, and therefore brakes that allow such tyres. I also want lower gearing, and great reliability. So I will mix and match. Brakes: cheap Tektro 57 mm deep drop brakes, rather than Shinamo, because the Tektro brake is better shaped for mudguards (and cheaper). Shifters: bar end, because they are more reliable, cheaper, lighter, and more ergonomical in my view. Crankset: ultracompact double. I like the idea of the compact double (I have had a 52-36 for 33 years now, but that is too highly geared, and increasingly so of course, and so is 50-34. So my solution will be the ultra compact double: a Specialites TA Carmina crankset with the 94 mm spider, allowing a 44-29 teeth combination, together withn a 12-27 teeth cassette. The Carmina crankset also has the advantage that it avoids the modern but less reliable external bearings of most modern Shimano cranksets. Front hub: Son 20 R, to have decent lights.
Rear hub: many possibilities, from mid range Shimano (or Ultegra or XT, these are hardly more expensive) to ultralight Chris King or ueber strong Phil Wood. Front mech, I am hesitating between Shimano road and IRD (because of the compact double). Rear mech: Shimano, any one will do.
The interesting outcome is that for many parts there is really only one good solution, and sometimes that solution is expensive, like the Carmina crankset (there are no other 94 mm road cranks), and sometimes it is really cheap, like the Tektro brakes and levers. There is one important choice: the rear hub. More money really buys a better hub, but within the Shimano range even Ultegra or XT hubs are not much more expensive than, say, Deore. I don't think it makes much financial sense to use anything less than an Ultegra or XT rear hub for an expensive handbuilt wheel. CK or PW are from a different universe, of course. Good bottom brackets and headsets can be had for big dollars, but also for far less (SKF and Stronglight, e.g.).
Willem

[paulcuthbert]

I have paid the deposit on a Trek 1.2, which has Sora shifters, front and rear derailleurs. I had a 1.2 before (it got stolen) so I opted for the same bike because I loved it. The thumb shifters weren't generally a problem, but since I'm getting the 2009 model at a knock-down price, would it be worth my while upgrading the groupset and shifters to something with dual paddle?

I've read a lot of this thread, and I've used the dual paddle on my Dad's Trek 1200 and it felt OK. If I'm getting the LBS to build my bike when the insurance money comes through, roughly how much extra would it cost me to upgrade to Shimano 105/Tiagra with the dual paddle shifters???

[paulcuthbert]

I think I may have found the reason for insufficient braking with Sora equipment

[url]http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/SI_6LS0A_001/SI_6LS0A_001_En_v1_m56577569830615004.pdf
[/url]

It says Sora should be used only on Anatomic type handlebars- and the Trek 1.2 (and perhaps other bikes running Sora equipment) are the Round type handlebars

[iandriver]

Asssuming its a sora 9 speed (can't remember when it was last less than 9), you cant have the 105 as it's 10 speed now without changing the caninset cassette etc. Your only option is Tiagra (unless you can soruce old stock 105 9 speed).

These are not cheap, couple of hundred + RRP I beleive but can be found cheaper on line. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=22652

Can't see it being worth your while throwing out new Sora arlreadfy packaged on the bike for Tiagra at that kind of dosh IMHO, the extra functionality isn't 200 quids worth in my money, but hey

[Si]

I've found sora brake levers to work fine on any handle bar.

I would have them on my bullhorns but the side switch precludes this to an extent. Like others, I've found sora great from the hoods, but using the side switch from the drops requires long thumbs.

BTW, do they do sora in 9 now? Last I looked it was only 7 & 8.

[iandriver]

BTW, do they do sora in 9 now? Last I looked it was only 7 & 8.

Looks like the ST-3400 went 9 speed.

http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/con ... _road.html

[Si]

BTW, do they do sora in 9 now? Last I looked it was only 7 & 8.

Looks like the ST-3400 went 9 speed.

http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/con ... _road.html

cheers. My comments regarding the side shifter position would be for 7 & 8spd then. They may have improved the 9spd.

[CREPELLO]

I think I may have found the reason for insufficient braking with Sora equipment

[url]http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/SI_6LS0A_001/SI_6LS0A_001_En_v1_m56577569830615004.pdf
[/url]

It says Sora should be used only on Anatomic type handlebars- and the Trek 1.2 (and perhaps other bikes running Sora equipment) are the Round type handlebars

I'm at a loss to understand why the shape of the handlebars would affect the mechanical power the levers exert, other than the unit is designed around the anatomical shaped bar, increasing comfort and potentially improving the hand grip position.Would Trek build a bike using components that are seemingly so ill matched? If your experience of braking was/is poor, it's more likely that they were badly set up by the shop. A change of pads (try Koolstop - many people here do) could help sort out a braking deficiency.

[NUKe]

I think I may have found the reason for insufficient braking with Sora equipment

[url]http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/SI_6LS0A_001/SI_6LS0A_001_En_v1_m56577569830615004.pdf
[/url]

It says Sora should be used only on Anatomic type handlebars- and the Trek 1.2 (and perhaps other bikes running Sora equipment) are the Round type handlebars

No it actually say
WHen using the reach adjustment pad use anatomic type bars. This a Piece of plastic that fits between the handle and body for little hands. It may bring the handle too close if using rounded bars. There fine on rounded bars if you are using instandard reach configuration

[glueman]

Mid-range (Deore, 105) is usually the best value. It has most of the practical features of the best kit without the bling touches. Sometimes it's worth paying for a high end component e.g hubs because bearing surfaces and seals are superior, whereas you can save money on derailleurs and still get a good shift.

Leave XTR/Dura Ace to those sponsored to ride it.

[ersakus]

my sora brake levers rattle and has cheaper look and feel to it than my ultegra ones on another bike. There is surely difference in quality in this case.
(Rattling in Sora problem can be fixed by shoving frame packaging material into them!