Shimano 2300 vs Shimano Sora

fw7879

Hi Everyone,

I am new to road cycling and I am about to buy my first proper bike. I have settled on a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 as the frame was far and away the most comfortable for me. The question is whether to go for the basic Shimano 2300 groupset (on at £599) or spend the little bit extra and buy the Shimano Sora groupset (£675). The groupset is the only difference, everything else is the same on the bike. Is it worth the extra? What are the main differences and as a newbie will I be able to notice them? Bear in mind that I am a student on a budget and will also need to buy some cycling shoes and padded shorts (I have all the other gear) and so would the £75 be better spent on getting higher quality kit? Thanks!

Freddie

pbt150

The main difference between 2300 and Sora is that the Sora has 9 gears in the cassette, vs 8 in the 2300. Both shift in the same way, with the downshift controlled by a thumb button, rather than the paddle in the more expensive Shimano range.

I used to have the older Sora 8 speed on my bike, which is pretty much the same as the new 2300, and if you set it up properly you'll never have any problems with it. I'd stick with the 2300 myself, and use the money to buy some decent shorts or shoes/pedals.

If it were a choice between Shimano 9 speed vs 10 speed I'd say go for the upgrade because that makes things easier for upgrading in the future, but 8 vs 9 is probably not worth it.

Mettan

fw7879 wrote:

Hi Everyone,

I am new to road cycling and I am about to buy my first proper bike. I have settled on a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 as the frame was far and away the most comfortable for me. The question is whether to go for the basic Shimano 2300 groupset (on at £599) or spend the little bit extra and buy the Shimano Sora groupset (£675). The groupset is the only difference, everything else is the same on the bike. Is it worth the extra? What are the main differences and as a newbie will I be able to notice them? Bear in mind that I am a student on a budget and will also need to buy some cycling shoes and padded shorts (I have all the other gear) and so would the £75 be better spent on getting higher quality kit? Thanks!

Freddie

Both groupsets are reliable and adeqaute for a new rider on a budget - you wouldn't notice much of a difference at all - you could quite easily get 3 years out of either group.