Are Shimano Sora road bike components any good.?

Question

A guy at a bike shop told me I would have to throw them away in about a year.

Answer 1

Depends on what you mean by "good". There certainly are "better" Shimano groups (105, Ultegra, and Dura Ace, in order of increasing quality) -- these groups are lighter, better performing, and more $$$$.

If you don't ride your bike often (< 15 miles/week) and are budget conscious, Sora will probably be good enough for your needs. Keep in mind that the frame that comes with Sora-equipped bikes aren't really going to be highest performance frames either. In terms of serviceability, I'm sure that Sora will probably be workable by any bike shop...they'll just be thankful they aren't working on a dept. store bike.

As to whether you'll need to throw them away in a year, that all depends on how much you ride and how well you take care of it. Also, if you start riding a lot, you may find yourself eyeing better components (and a better bike) anyway.

Answer 2

Sora Bike Components

Answer 3

Think of Shimano as "GM". Shimano Sora components are "Chevrolet". Shimano has a "Cadillac" quality product also, but even "Chevrolets" are engineered to last 100,000 miles or more.

I have a bike with all Shimano Sora brake and derailleur shifting hardware. I haven't experienced a problem. I just installed Shimano Sora cranks on an older bike.

If you are going to abuse the bike, then go higher than Sora. If you are going to use the bike reasonably, it's possible that the Sora parts will outlast some of the other original equipment.

Answer 4

Depends on how much you ride. If you're really going to give your bike a good pounding, don't settle for less than 105.

Shimano's integrated shift/brake lever is a complex piece of gear, and there's definitely a difference in longevity as you move up the chain. I've gottan a good eight years out of my Ultegra, but it's getting gimpy. You will not get eight years out of Sora.

Answer 5

If you take care of Sora stuff, it will last 3-5 years. It's not 'high performance' stuff, so many choose to replace it as they become better riders. Better stuff is lighter, has 'crisper shifting' and has a little better ergonomics. With that having been said, I'll take Sora over top of the line stuff from 1990.

You won't have to 'throw Sora away' after a year unless you wreck on it or ride a ton without cleaning and lubing it.

Answer 6

I would have to agree with your bike shop guy. They do degrade very quickly. They are bad on fast descents (repeated hard stops) and such. If you ride more than many miles, on slightly rolling hills through out the year, probably the components will have to go. It all depends on how careful you are about them when you ride. You get what you pay for. Sora's are, I'd say, good enough for "urban-leisure" riding.

But I'd say, don't get an upgrade unless you have a good Frame to go with it also. That's my opinion.

Cheers and good riding!

Answer 7

The manager of a local bike shop told me they are "1/2 step below sora" when I was deciding between two bikes, one with Sora and the other with 2303. This guy seemed to know what he was talking about for everything else we discussed about selecting bikes for my GF. He did a fantastic job fitting the bike she selected. So far, he appears to be a reliable source. HTH

Answer 8

Yes they will last longer than a year, unless you're going to be riding off-road a lot. Are you just going to be doing short jaunts or long tours, or ???

Really, unless you are thinking of doing a lot of miles then you'll be fine. And go to a different bike shop.

Answer 9

I can only assume you are talking about road bike components... 105 is better than Sora, Ultegra is better than 105, and Dura ace better than Ultegra, so depends on your budget.

Answer 10

what is your use going to be,,, no they will alst longer than what you were told