Groupset advice? For own build

[Birchy]

In all seriousness, OP, I'd be cautious when ordering that groupset linked above. It does state it's coming from Hong Kong so that might not be an issue but it also could be fake (if such a thing exists?) If you want piece of mind you could get it from Parker http://www.parker-international.co.uk/21190/Shimano-Sora-3500-9sp-Groupset.html

I think this is what's stopping me from pulling the trigger on them.

Anyone have any experience ordering from HK or specifically this seller?

The parts themselves are made in Malaysia anyway so it may just be that they can get them cheaper then UK sellers?

 

[smokeysmoo]

It does state it's coming from Hong Kong so that might not be an issue but it also could be fake (if such a thing exists?)

It's a good point, and I'm under no illusion that anything that is made legitimately is also being faked somewhere in the world.

The seller does seem to tick all the boxes, and their feedback is good too. PayPal will give you another level of protection, but I would probably lean to a UK seller myself if I was being honest.

I got stung with a fake golf club once so I have had some experience of this.

 

[Alembicbassman]

I recently completed my first scratch build. I had tools for everything except headset. My LBS fitted the headset and forks, including cutting the steerer for £10 (I had bought frame, fork and headset from them).

If you're fitting the Sora Hollowtech II bottom bracket you'll need to budget for a chase and face unless the frame comes ready for an external BB. I went for a good quality UN55 square taper BB for use with a Shimano 2303 chainset as it was a bit easier to fit.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've just had an old Dawes frame chased and faced by my LBS for thank you very much. It's a very quick job if you have the right tools.

The OP is building a carbon bike though, and I wouldn't consider building a carbon frame up with a square tape BB, then again I wouldn't consider building a carbon bike full stop

If it's a new frame you will be able to screw the HTII BB cups straight in and tighten them with one of THESE, and you'll also need one of THESE to tighten the pre-load cap as well.

 

[Svendo]

If it's a new frame you will be able to screw the HTII BB cups straight in and tighten them with one of THESE, and you'll also need one of THESE to tighten the pre-load cap as well.

Or one like this with both tools in one.

 

[smokeysmoo]

THIS one has both tools in one as well and is currently £6.48 delivered

 

[Psyclist]

Great choice on the 3500. I was going to buy 3500 for the paddle shifters as they look great. But decided I need a 10 speed upgrade on my bike, but need to budget more than I thought. I went for MIcroshift White 2013 group(ish)set, mechs and shifters for £160.

 

[Birchy]

This talk of hollowtech has me a little confused.. The BB comes with the set. I don't think it's a hollowtech one. I have that tool from Rutland that has been listed so that's good.

The OP is building a carbon bike though, and I wouldn't consider building a carbon frame up with a square tape BB, then again I wouldn't consider building a carbon bike full stop

Newbie question, why not?

 

[smokeysmoo]

This talk of hollowtech has me a little confused.. The BB comes with the set. I don't think it's a hollowtech one. I have that tool from Rutland that has been listed so that's good.

Yes the bottom bracket comes with the groupset, and it's a Shimano Hollowtech II, (HTII) BB.

Shimano have also now moved into press fit BB's similar the BB30 set up, (Gawd knows why), but that groupset you originally linked to is definitely HTII.

Newbie question, why not?

Just my preference. I've owned 3 cf bikes, 2 road bikes and 1 MTB, but I had some niggles with numbers 2 and 3 that resulted in a new frame, (under warranty thankfully), so I just steer clear of cf now. It's possibly irrational on my part, but if I can't be relaxed when I'm doing 40+mph then I might as well hang up my cleats and go crown green bowling, so hey ho, each to their own. If I could get a new fork with alu steerer for my C'dale I would, but sadly I can't.

Twice bitten thrice shy so to speak. Plus the fact when you're a big lad like me any benefit of cf is wiped out anyway.

 

[Birchy]

Well that explains where the hollowtech talk came from. Lol.

 

[Birchy]

Another little newbie stupid question...

Now you kind folks have identified its a hollowtech BB will it fit what is described as a BSA frame bracket? I can't find the dimensions of what a BSA bracket is. I'm guessing its a 68mm shell but no idea on length.

 

[Svendo]

Yes Hollow Tech II are for BSA (or English) Bottom bracket shells (They might be available in Italian too, which is the same but without the reversed drive side thread but that would be the exception)

 

[User6179]

Another little newbie stupid question...

Now you kind folks have identified its a hollowtech BB will it fit what is described as a BSA frame bracket? I can't find the dimensions of what a BSA bracket is. I'm guessing its a 68mm shell but no idea on length.

The hollow tech 2 crankset in the groupset will fit bsa, shimano press-fit and bb30 using adapters so you should be ok.

 

[Thomk]

Hi folks.

I'm slowly gathering up components to build my own carbon bike and need advice on the following groupset.

It's the 2013 Sora 3500 set http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-S...sure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item1c2f49c810

My uses are for fitness and I aim to enter a sportive or two if fitness allows it. Is this set upto the task? I know it's the entry set and I'm fine with that because as of now I don't want to spend a small fortune. But on the other hand I need something reliable.

I would buy second hand but for around that money it's hard to find something complete and decent. Oh and it has to be black... Lol

Any advice welcome

Are you intending to buy it from the ebay site in your link? Would there be import duty/VAT to pay on that?

 

[Birchy]

Yes Hollow Tech II are for BSA (or English) Bottom bracket shells (They might be available in Italian too, which is the same but without the reversed drive side thread but that would be the exception)

The hollow tech 2 crankset in the groupset will fit bsa, shimano press-fit and bb30 using adapters so you should be ok.

Thanks folks. My mind is a little more at ease now. The manufacturers sometimes don't help by having so many different varieties and types.

Are you intending to buy it from the ebay site in your link? Would there be import duty/VAT to pay on that?

I actually didn't go for that in the end. I ended up getting a good deal on Tiagra stuff so went for that.

But to answer your question, technically yes there should be duty to pay. However a lot of Chinese sellers will undervalue the product so it's not liable to import duty. I've had some expensive stuff arrive from the Far East and have never paid duty. However everything I have bought from the US always gets duty applied.