Getting rid of Sora thumb shifters - Options?

robbo8989

I've still got the upgrade bug and after upgrading the wheels and tyres on my Specialized Allez I now want to get rid of the Sora thumb shifters. So what's the best way to go about it without breaking the bank?

Current setup is a 3x9 speed. At the minute I'm considering the new 2013 Sora shifters and older Tiagra 3x9 shifters. It appears 2x10 speed is now far more common. I'm not against extending my budget if it would be worthwhile changing to a 10 speed or compact double.

carl69

Just done this myself on trusty winter bike that had sora triple shifters with the thumb shifters. I bought the new sora shifters that have the same shifting method as the rest of the shimano range. Easy to fit and the quality seems fine, shifting is good and everything works as it should. You, re limited in your choice due to the 9 speed but personally I couldn, t see any point in spending more on Tiagra. Got mine from Ribble about a month ago and they were far and away the best deal at the time.

slowbike

You could always wait till the chain and cassette need replacing then upgrade to a 2x10 then.
I looked at upgrading my Allez to 105 for the hidden cable route - but it was more sensible to buy another bike with it all on - so I did that !

jameses

You could look for older models - DA 7700, Ultegra 6500, 105 5500 and Tiagra 4500 will all have 3x9 options, and shifters can often be found in the classifieds here or on ebay.

robbo8989

Hadn't realised the Sora shifters were so cheap on Ribble. That's now looking my most likely option. But then there's still the upgrading habit to feed and I might want to change to a 2x10 at some point anyway. I presume that would involve a whole new groupset entirely? If so, I don't think I could quite stretch my budget that far.

And I know it would be better to put the money towards a new bike but I shall be using this one all through summer until it becomes my winter bike, so any upgrades are a long-term investment. I don't plan on buying a new bike until this point next year.

unixnerd

Your cheap option is to stick with 9 speed and get some used 105 or maybe Ultegra shifters off ebay. They'll work fine and not cost a bundle. You can just undo the mounting bolt that holds them to the handlebar bracket, stick a 5mm allen key under the rubber covering - so no need to rewrap your bar tape or anything :-) Simple.

Option two is to upgrade to ten speed. Your dérailleur should be fine, you'll just need a 10 speed cassette and shifters. You can get used ones where the gear cable comes out from the side like your Sora setup, or you can get more modern ones where the gear cable is hidden under the bar tape.

Easier to fit the former, with the latter you'll have to strip and re-wrap the bar tape. Hidden gear cables look better but won't shift quite as nicely due to the more convoluted cable path causing more friction.

Personally I'd go ten speed with external cables as it's easier and you'll get the used shifters for a good bit less.

robbo8989

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for some cheap second hand 105/ultegra 10 speed shifters and then get a new 10 speed cassette. If I can't find the shifters I'll get the new Sora ones and stick with 9 speed.

Considering I'm not changing the front or rear mech, am I likely to notice a difference between say 105 and ultegra shifters?

nochekmate

robbo8989 wrote:

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for some cheap second hand 105/ultegra 10 speed shifters and then get a new 10 speed cassette. If I can't find the shifters I'll get the new Sora ones and stick with 9 speed.

Considering I'm not changing the front or rear mech, am I likely to notice a difference between say 105 and ultegra shifters?

I've got both 105 5600 10 speed or Ultegra 6600 10 speed shifters available - in fact I've got a full Ultegra 6600 groupset up for grabs if you are interested.

doodah

Any idea what price for the pairs of shifters and the whole groupset?

nochekmate

doodah wrote:

Any idea what price for the pairs of shifters and the whole groupset?

I have since sold the Ultegra 6600 stuff but I have a pair of 105 5600 shifters both of which are new old stock - £75 posted.