Claris or Sora - will a novice notice the difference?

[Gordz]

Getting into road cycling for commuting/fitness and was wondering if as a novice I will actually notice a difference between Claris and Sora gears?

I ask as I'm torn between the Giant Defy 3 and 4. Both bikes are identical bar the gears and the difference in price is only £50... but I prefer the white colour of the Defy 4 (Claris) compared to the blue of the Defy 3 (Sora).

Thanks for your anticipated wisdom

 

[Crandoggler]

No.

I don't think you get a full Groupset on either bike do you? So I wouldn't particularly worry. Claris is a very smooth operating setup, as is Sora.

 

[potsy]

No.

 

[jonny jeez]

Nope.

 

[Gordz]

Cheers for the quick responses!

Not sure what a "full groupset" is Crandoggler (still learning!), but below are the specifics...

Defy 3:

• NUMBER GEARS 18
• SHIFTERS Shimano Sora 18 speed
• CHAINSET Shimano Sora, 50/34
• CHAINRINGS 50/34
• CASSETTE SRAM PG 950 11-32
• CHAIN KMC X9
• FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Sora
• REAR DERAILLER Shimano Sora
• BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano, threaded external

Defy 4:

• NUMBER GEARS 16
• SHIFTERS Shimano Claris 16 speed
• CHAINSET FSA Tempo, 34/50
• CHAINRINGS 34/50
• CASSETTE SRAM PG 850 11-32
• CHAIN KMC Z7
• FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Claris
• REAR DERAILLER Shimano Claris
• BOTTOM BRACKET Sealed Cartridge

 

[subaqua]

only if they read the name!

one has 2 letters more. ( which to some would mean better as more is always better)

both are very good TBH

 

[Gordz]

I was hoping these were the replies I'd get, thanks! A white Defy 4 it is then

 

[Saluki]

I was hoping these were the replies I'd get, thanks! A white Defy 4 it is then

If you love the bike, you can always upgrade later in your riding career. Photos of new bike required

 

[BalkanExpress]

Get the one you like, I guarantee you will ride it more

 

[Elybazza61]

Only diiference really is one is 9 spd and one is 8.

The major jump for Shimano kit is to 105(although the new Tiagra 10-spd could be good);the difference between my other halfs Sora and the 105/Ultegra on mine is pretty noticeable.

Just get the one you like and say next year upgrade to something like the new Tiagra or source nos/sh 105/ultegra bits;this may also depend on size cassette the wheels will take,it could be that they may be 10-spd compatible(my other hals Avails' wheels are.)

 

[Drago]

Tiagra 10 is almost indistinguishable in appearance from 105/10 of 2 years ago, and aside from a slightly longer throw at the lever feels indistinguishable as well. The joys of owning both

 

[raleighnut]

I'd go for the 3 for one reason, external crank bearings.

 

[smutchin]

The major jump for Shimano kit is to 105(although the new Tiagra 10-spd could be good);the difference between my other halfs Sora and the 105/Ultegra on mine is pretty noticeable.

New Tiagra = Old 105. A massive improvement on the first-generation Tiagra I was using in the early 2000s - much lighter, much better looking and much smoother shifting. And the new 105 is almost entirely indistinguishable from Ultegra.

For me, if it were a choice between a bike with Sora and a bike with Claris, I'd go for the one that was a nicer colour. I've not used Claris but I imagine it's fine. The trickle-down effect means the lower end groupsets benefit from the technology from older versions of higher end groupsets. I think it's when you go down to the 'non series' stuff that you really start to notice the compromises made for price.

 

[Brian Stacks]

From experience I would save a little longer and go for a 105 groupset. Check out the giant defy 2.

 

[Gordz]

I'd go for the 3 for one reason, external crank bearings.

What's the difference? I don't mean technically as I assume it's better, I mean with regards to performance/maintenance/longevity etc.