Sora vs Tiagra vs 105
Comments
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OnYourRight wrote:
Don’t worry: a combination of post-purchase rationalisation and appreciation for neatness over function will see you through!Carbonator wrote:I am not sure how I will cope with the stiff gear changes due to all concealed cables though
Admittedly, there are some advantages of hidden cables. For example, they allow more flexibility in positioning lights, without the worry of light bouncing off the cables and ruining your night vision. Stop it, my sides are aching. So everything Campag make is crap, and the stuff on bikes outside car accessory shops is where the smart money goes right? :roll:
I'll ride a 'Spesh' Allez 2300 back to back with an BMC Race Machine Ultegra (or something similar) in the week and see which I prefer
People winge about marginal gains, but thats what is all about. Add them up and you have a great bike. Go the other way and.............not so much.
Buy what you like guys. I have ridden lots of bikes and know what I like. Just ride what you like and I hope you have as much fun 0 -
Tiagra does not have thumbshifts now. It has exposed shift cable though.Carbonator wrote:Do you think tiagra will have exposed cables and thumbshift after the next revamp?
Anyway as for the discussion around groupsets - I have used a variety and yes of course the higher-end stuff tends to feel nicer as you'd expect. However, there are other parts of the bike where I'd rather spend the money - wheels for example.
I have full 2013 Tiagra groupset on my bike and very pleased with it. Coming from MTB discs the brakes have surprised me with their power and feel. I was expecting them to be crap. Every part of the groupset works as it should and is more than enough my needs. Yes having the exposed shifter cables is not as trick but that is purely an aesthetic consideration for me - it has no practical downside in my day to day riding.You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.0 -
I have Campagnolo Super Record 11 on one bike, and ShimaNO Sora/2300 shifters on the other and honestly I can't tell the difference :roll: That's probably because they both have those out dated thumb button thingys.WyndyMilla Massive Attack | Rourke 953 | Condor Italia 531 Pro | Boardman CX Pro | DT Swiss RR440 Tubeless Wheels
Find me on Strava0 -
Hopefully not steering the thread too far off course but....
I am considering getting myself a new bike and as such have been trawlling through various websites and shops and noticed a few things. The Spesh bikes in my budget (up to £1k - maybe slightly more) all tend to have Sora groupsets, whereas others tend to be Tiagra and even a few 105. I spoke to a guy in the shop and he said with the Spesh bikes, they are carbon frames so that is where the money is being spent where on others you're paying extra for the components but getting a more "basic" aluminium frame.
What would have the biggest appeal for you? A carbon frame or 105 groupset? Or is it too vague a question?0 -
In general you should always get the best frame you can afford, then followed by the groupset. So yeah I'd choose a carbon frame with Sora over an aluminium frame with 105. On the basis that down the line you can fit 105 anyway.0
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Crouching Peeky wrote:Hopefully not steering the thread too far off course but....
I am considering getting myself a new bike and as such have been trawlling through various websites and shops and noticed a few things. The Spesh bikes in my budget (up to £1k - maybe slightly more) all tend to have Sora groupsets, whereas others tend to be Tiagra and even a few 105. I spoke to a guy in the shop and he said with the Spesh bikes, they are carbon frames so that is where the money is being spent where on others you're paying extra for the components but getting a more "basic" aluminium frame.
What would have the biggest appeal for you? A carbon frame or 105 groupset? Or is it too vague a question?
Spesh bikes around 1k that are carbon?? I'll be honest I thought you had to pay a bit more than that for them, unless they are in the sale?0 -
Daz555 wrote:
Tiagra does not have thumbshifts now. It has exposed shift cable though.Carbonator wrote:Do you think tiagra will have exposed cables and thumbshift after the next revamp?
Did I really type that :oops: Not sure what I was thinking :shock: I cannot even blame drink at the moment
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Crouching Peeky wrote:Hopefully not steering the thread too far off course but....
I am considering getting myself a new bike and as such have been trawlling through various websites and shops and noticed a few things. The Spesh bikes in my budget (up to £1k - maybe slightly more) all tend to have Sora groupsets, whereas others tend to be Tiagra and even a few 105. I spoke to a guy in the shop and he said with the Spesh bikes, they are carbon frames so that is where the money is being spent where on others you're paying extra for the components but getting a more "basic" aluminium frame.
What would have the biggest appeal for you? A carbon frame or 105 groupset? Or is it too vague a question?
I would spend the extra couple of hundred and get a carbon bike with full 105 (make sure brakes are 105 too) now.
Boardman Road Team Carbon for under £1200 with years BC membership would be one option.
Saying that the Mrs has just got an aluminium framed full Ultegra for nearly that much though. It was just a really nice looking/spec'd bike so we bought it.0 -
My Giant SCR2 has Tiagra. I've toyed with the idea of upgrading, but noticed that the 105 shifters don't have the indicators showing which sprocket or chainring you are currently using. Am I missing someting here, or is it just assumed that folks running 105 and higher are so proficient that they will always know the gear they're in?http://app.strava.com/athletes/287459
Member of http://www.UKnetrunner.co.UK - the greatest online affiliated running club0 -
fishyweb wrote:My Giant SCR2 has Tiagra. I've toyed with the idea of upgrading, but noticed that the 105 shifters don't have the indicators showing which sprocket or chainring you are currently using. Am I missing someting here, or is it just assumed that folks running 105 and higher are so proficient that they will always know the gear they're in?
I think its because a Tiagra bike rider is typically bolt upright and needs the hood indicators whereas a 105 bike rider will likely be in a much more aggressive possition and can just look at the sprockets 0 -
Carbonator wrote:I would spend the extra couple of hundred and get a carbon bike with full 105 (make sure brakes are 105 too) now.
Boardman Road Team Carbon for under £1200 with years BC membership would be one option.
Even if the brakes aren't 105 it isn't the end of the world as you can swap them out for 105 calipers for about £65.0 -
If Shimano make a Tiagra Di2 will it have a digital display on each hood to indicate which gear you are in?0
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markhewitt1978 wrote:Carbonator wrote:I would spend the extra couple of hundred and get a carbon bike with full 105 (make sure brakes are 105 too) now.
Boardman Road Team Carbon for under £1200 with years BC membership would be one option.
Even if the brakes aren't 105 it isn't the end of the world as you can swap them out for 105 calipers for about £65.
The brakes should be fine - the pads are usually the problem. If Shimano deliberately makes calipers out of bendy metal (and there's no reason for them to do so so if they are bendy, it is deliberate - and bendy is the only reason why they shouldn't work perfectly well), then they don't deserve your money for anything else.Faster than a tent.......0 -
LOL, mintedCarbonator wrote:If Shimano make a Tiagra Di2 will it have a digital display on each hood to indicate which gear you are in?0 -
biggy7 wrote:hi
for a relativity newbie to road cycling, how much difference is there between these groupsets?
does the increase of cost make up for the performance?
I've just installed a full 105 group set on my defy 4. Not gone far yet but my initial impressions are that comparing 2300 with 105 is night and day. 105 is smoother, quieter and quicker, particularly on the front shift. Comfort wise, I didn't get on with the 2300 shifters anyway so I'd swapped them for some microshift ones that were a lot better and worked well. I also got rid of the the front mech - I just found it to be too unreliable. But the 105 shifters are just right, nice size, good reach to the levers from the hoods and the drops. The 5700 have apparently had the pivot point moved to make them easier to use from the hoods but I can't really comment on any difference. I have to say though that the biggest difference is in the brakes; the 105s are awesomely good compared to the older 2300 ones!
Probably no use at all 0 -
Erm...just to throw a spanner in the works...Im looking at buying a Specialised Roubaix SL4.
It comes equipped with the new Sora,but i am also looking at the disc model.Now,i know disc's on a road bike is a bit 'Marmite' to some people,but its not really that much added weight,but better stopping power.
Go back a few years,and discs on a mountain bike were after all, unheard of.
I want to get the Roubaix,as it will be my bike forever, pretty much,as it is a big slice of wedge for myself,and no doubt others,but its comfy to ride apparently.0 -
Giant defy 4 with 2300 and spesh roubaix comp with 105 here, both brilliant bikes. Prefer the roubaix cos it is so comfy and 105 is much better but 2300 is ok and has been on tour to France. This now has mudguards and is my winter bike as components are cheaper0
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fishyweb wrote:My Giant SCR2 has Tiagra. I've toyed with the idea of upgrading, but noticed that the 105 shifters don't have the indicators showing which sprocket or chainring you are currently using. Am I missing someting here, or is it just assumed that folks running 105 and higher are so proficient that they will always know the gear they're in?
Cant speak for anyone else, but if your using 105, Ultegra, DuraAce etc, you should know what gear your in and what to change to by feel.0 -
us Ultegra
Ultegra 0 -
rickeverett wrote:Cant speak for anyone else, but if your using 105, Ultegra, DuraAce etc, you should know what gear your in and what to change to by feel.
That's true, and also at that level it's all about performance so if you don't need an indicator, you don't get one! Most of the time I have a fair idea where I am but couldn't tell you precisely.0 -
I have Tiagra shifters with the indicators, and 18 months down the line, I have no idea what gear it's in just by looking at the indicator. I can't even remember which way the indicator moves if I shift up or down.markhewitt1978 wrote:
That's true, and also at that level it's all about performance so if you don't need an indicator, you don't get one! Most of the time I have a fair idea where I am but couldn't tell you precisely.rickeverett wrote:Cant speak for anyone else, but if your using 105, Ultegra, DuraAce etc, you should know what gear your in and what to change to by feel.
I have a fairly upright position on the bike (saddle only just higher than the bars) and I still look at the sprockets if I want to know.
It's a pointless gimmick IMO.Is the gorilla tired yet?0 -
This has been a fascinating read.
I started with a Shimano Ultegra, 10sp, that feels silky smooth. It's worth it if you can afford it but is not necessary. I rode a 105 2012/13, it's as smooth & comparable to the Tiagra of 2016. Perhaps there's trickle down tech.
Sora is to me more clunkier & slightly slower on the changes. However, it's just not noticeable. My ultegra is a triple beast for fast riding on skinny 23c's, it's not my lightest, as that is a top range SRAM clunk Scott Addict that weights 6.34kg w/o pedals for climbing. The sora is on a FB 25c bike.
In conclusion, use any!!! It's all going to act as viagra, if you exercise, your sex life will improve aledgely.
Seriously, I like my bikes individually for different reasons. It's been mentioned before, on brakes they are relatively the same & just make sure you have quality tyres & especially brake pads. The contact to the ground in relation to weather matters. Secondly, the brake pads: swisspads are fantastic stopping power.0 -
I must admit that I'm loving my Sora 3500 which I think is perfect for someone who wants to just ride and not get involved in racing. It just works and I suspect as long as you look after it, the problems it provides will be minimal.
Of course we're getting to the point where things are getting lighter and lighter and electronics at the top end. So soon they will become the norm I suspect and within 10yrs even the basically models will be electrical. It does make you wonder if it's a good move though, as does it really offer that much benefit over the old system?
Worse part of Sora is the brakes or more the standard fitted pads. Swapped those out with some wiggle own brand 105 style pads ...Wow what a difference and now feels like the complete package.0 -
Some interesting observations on this thread. I can't say I've ever noticed that having concealed cables affected my shifting. Cables sticking out of the side of hoods however just look sh1t which isn't a problem on my Sora equipped Winter bike but I wouldn't want them on my good bike.0
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myideal wrote:I must admit that I'm loving my Sora 3500 which I think is perfect for someone who wants to just ride and not get involved in racing. It just works and I suspect as long as you look after it, the problems it provides will be minimal.
Of course we're getting to the point where things are getting lighter and lighter and electronics at the top end. So soon they will become the norm I suspect and within 10yrs even the basically models will be electrical. It does make you wonder if it's a good move though, as does it really offer that much benefit over the old system?
Worse part of Sora is the brakes or more the standard fitted pads. Swapped those out with some wiggle own brand 105 style pads ...Wow what a difference and now feels like the complete package.
Totally agree. I prefer my SORA. One person said it astutely.
1. If we don't race, it' works well & lasts long. It will not increase speed, that related to ability, the bike wheels & our legs to rotate them to speed. (Bike weight / not to state the obvious)0 -
Well i think that for most people the difference between alloy and carbon is nothing really. I'm convinced that if you don't race the weight issue isn't going to make much of a difference. It's only when tenths of a second matter than all this fancy kit makes a difference.
Has anyone actually produced any study / research into the extra speed that is possible from the different group sets? Suspect not as proving anything is down to group set would be really difficult.0 -
Just having a read on the stuff on the internet about groupsets and seems even the retailers are careful in what they say. Interesting that many agree the brakes are the only weak point on Sora, but swapping to cartridge pads helps solve this.
Also reading the description of each set it's now more about number of gears each set can run, until you get to DI2 which seems to be all about the electronics. Again I'm sceptical about this on a bike and just not convinced that for nearly anyone that it is needed and has a purpose, apart from being a gimmick.0 -
Groupset choosing is definitely not about shifting quality anymore, at least from Tiagra up.
I bought a Genesis CdF with Tiagra gears, and shifting is as precise as in my Roadbike's Campa Chorus groupset. With the added benefit that I don't care much about relieving power when shifting, as I broken derailleur would cost me 20-30 bucks as opposed to 160 on the Campa group (happened last year, really upset).
Today I wouldn't bother buying anything over 105's.0 -
Maybe I'm missing something but how much power is being lost and for what time frame when your on say Sora compared to DI2? We must be talking milliseconds and micro watts.
Which for the average bike user on forums like this surly don't make that much of a difference. I guess the marketing though and the thought that people need something new and exciting like the pros gets them hooked in.
Maybe if i was banging out 400w on my rides then i would be thinking maybe some new fancy kit could make me better, but no groupset makes my legs more powerful.
I just wish power meters or better still power meter peddles were cheaper as that tech i can see anyone of any ability making use of to improve.0
