How do Sora and Tiagra really compare

[MrWill]

You need to get your 105 set up properly!

Nowt wrong with Sora IME. Even if it's not that well maintained (ahem, not that I'd know or anything) it will handle anything from long rides to commuting. Not sure the step up to Tiagra would necessarily be worth it.

Not the case. Both set up perfectly.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Had the most recent Sora for about a year. Then went to the 5700 105. No difference. If anything the Sora shifted better because the cables were not contorted under the bar tape.

The cables are no more contorted than any groupset that doesn't have cables under bar tape.

Not the case. Both set up perfectly.

If 105 feels the same as sora they weren't.

 

[cosmicbike]

Been running the newer Sora for 1200 miles now, and it shifts perfectly every time. Other than having to tweak the rear d/r cable tension once I have not touched it. It's used in all weather's. The only thing I have done is replace both front and rear brake calipers with 105 versions, they work so much better, though you may see a similar performance increase just by changing the pads.

 

[MrWill]

The cables are no more contorted than any groupset that doesn't have cables under bar tape.


If 105 feels the same as sora they weren't.

Lol am telling my real world experience after using both for a few thousand miles, have you done that? Been building bikes for 15 years, even at one point was my job. I had them set up perfectly no question. Both shifted in an instant. The only diff between the Sora and the 5700 105 was an extra gear and looks. They are extremely similar in mechanical design. The shifting performance is the same, the routing under the bar tape does affect the shifting performance a bit. It's well known, but is a non issue with fancy cables, not supplied with the 5700 groupset.. Take your blind pond life opinion elsewhere.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

No I haven't done many many many thousands of miles on Shimano groupsets from the cheapest 7 speed tat to the newest 11 speed. I don't even ride bikes or race them so I wouldn't have any experience of using them or building bikes.

Bows to your superior keyboard prowess

 

[KneesUp]

Worth £200? (a 33% increase)

When you start asking questions that include the word "worth" it gets messy.

For example, it costs £2.40 per person per year to provide clean water in rural India. So you might instead ask "Is a more expensive drive train worth 83 people not having access to clean water?" but if you go down that route it is uncomfortable, and so it's much easier to ignore it or pretend it's not a valid question.

The only questions your friend need answer are 'Can I afford the extra?' and 'Do I want the higher spec components?' -and only (s)he can answer those.

 

[vickster]

She can afford the extra but she has never had a road bike (nor a bike costing £600)...I have used Tiagra but not Sora, hence asking for advice from people who have. Which I have now received, just not from you

 

[Liamsles]

I have a Scott Speedster S50 with Sora and when I first got the bike it was a perfectly adequate group set. The shifts could be a bit heavy but it was perfectly good for when I started out.

However, having upgraded to a full carbon Cube Agree GTC Race with Ultegra; the difference is night and day.

I've kept my old Scott and it will become my winter bike this year. I am looking to upgrade the group set to Tiagra though. This is mainly because I would like 10 speed instead of 9sp and also to get rid of the goddamn thumb shifters. Like someone said previously; the new Sora does not have these.

In conclusion, I would say that Sora would be perfect. If she's not happy with the braking then you can always upgrade the pads to Swissstop's.

Hope this helps

Cheers.

Liam

 

[michaelcycle]

Worth £200? (a 33% increase)

Not to my mind, no.

I guess it is down to your friend and their concept of "value" - different things to different people.

 

[vickster]

Having looked around for virtually every potential bike available in a shop locally, I expect it'll come down to the Avail 3 or Synapse, both Sora. However, Tredz (I think) do claim to have the Avail 2 for under £650. It'll probably come down to aesthetics in the end

 

[MrWill]

No I haven't done many many many thousands of miles on Shimano groupsets from the cheapest 7 speed tat to the newest 11 speed. I don't even ride bikes or race them so I wouldn't have any experience of using them or building bikes.

Bows to your superior keyboard prowess

Yet you were happy to rubbish what I said, when you don't have a clue. Bizarre.

 

[vickster]

I think he may be being sarcastic!

My friend definitely won't be going for 105 by the way

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Newest Sora is on my my winter bike. It's awesome and performs great except shifting under load is a bit clunky but you shouldn't be doing that anyway!

 

[vickster]

She had a test ride on the cannondale and think she'll go for it preferring the styling to the giant. However, she was struggling to brake effectively with the sora from the hoods, so she'll need Evans to fit some shims and also think she'll have some cross top levers fitted as she liked those on the giant, sensible if you ask me..

It's a good looking bike in a slate grey with green detailing and internally routed cables

 

[AndyRM]

Good choice!

Excuse my ignorance, but is she struggling to brake effectively due to having little hands?