Shimano Sora and Shimano 105 are two of the most popular and widely used groupsets on the market nowadays.
Both offer various features and performance levels, making them ideal for all types of cyclists. But what are the differences between the two?
This article will compare Shimano Sora and Shimano 105 groupsets, looking at their features, performance, and price to help you decide which is right.
What Is Shimano Sora Groupset?
Shimano Sora is a bicycle drivetrain groupset designed to give cyclists a reliable and affordable option for a wide range of riding styles. It is a 9-speed system with various components, including shifters, derailleurs, brakes, cranksets, and cassettes.
It is designed to provide a smooth and reliable shifting experience and is ideal for recreational and entry-level cyclists.
The Sora groupset is designed to be lightweight and durable and is available in various component combinations. It includes various components, from the shifters and derailleurs to the cassette and crankset. The Sora groupset is also designed to be easy to maintain.
The Shimano Sora groupset is a great option for entry-level and recreational cyclists. It provides a reliable and affordable drivetrain with a good balance of performance and value.
What Is Shimano 105 Groupset?
Shimano 105 groupset is a popular choice among cyclists seeking a reliable, lightweight and affordable groupset.
It is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their bike without breaking the bank. This group set is designed for performance and durability. It features many components, including shifters, derailleurs, cranksets, brakes, and cassettes.
It offers superior performance at a fair price and works well for road, cyclocross, and mountain biking. It is compact, dependable, and a fantastic method to modify your bike without going over budget.
Shimano Sora Vs 105 Groupset – Key Differences
Crank Set
Shimano Sora: It is made from aluminum and features a two-piece design with a hollow crank arm and a steel spindle. The crankset is available in various sizes, including 50/34T, 52/36T, and 53/39T.
The Sora crankset is compatible with a range of chainrings, including compact and standard sizes, making it a versatile choice for riders of all levels.
Shimano 105: It is made from aluminum and features a two-piece design with a hollow crank arm and a steel spindle. The crankset is available in various sizes, including 50/34T, 52/36T, and 53/39T.
The 105 crankset is compatible with a range of chainrings, including compact and standard sizes, making it a versatile option for riders of all types. The crankset is also available in various finishes, including black, silver, and white.
Bottom Bracket
Shimano Sora: Its bottom bracket is a press-fit design with a sealed bearing system for smooth operation. It is available in 68mm and 73mm widths and is compatible with square taper and Hollowtech II cranksets.
Shimano 105: This bottom bracket is a press-fit design with a sealed bearing system for smooth operation. It is available in 68mm and 73mm widths and is compatible with square taper and Hollowtech II cranksets.
Derailleurs
Shimano Sora: Its derailleurs are designed to provide smooth and reliable shifting, even under heavy loads. Shimano Sora offers both front and rear derailleurs to complete the drivetrain system.
- Shimano Sora Rear Derailleur: This is responsible for shifting the chain across the rear cassette to change gears. It is available in different versions, such as RD-R3000 and RD-R3500. These derailleurs often have medium-length cages, enabling them to support various gear ratios. Rear derailleurs from the Sora brand work with 9-speed cassettes.
- Shimano Sora Front Derailleur: This guides the chain between the chainrings to enable front gear shifting. It helps move the chain from one chainring to another. Like the rear derailleur, the Sora front derailleur is also available in various models, such as FD-R3000 and FD-R3500. These front derailleurs are designed for double chainring setups.
Shimano 105: It also provides both front and rear derailleurs to complete the drivetrain system.
- Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur: The 105 rear derailleur shifts the chain across the rear cassette to change gears. It is available in different versions, such as RD-R7000 and RD-5800 (previous generation). These derailleurs are designed for 11-speed drivetrains, providing precise and reliable shifting performance. They feature a longer cage length than Sora derailleurs, allowing them to accommodate a wider range of gear ratios.
- Shimano 105 Front Derailleur: The 105 front derailleur guides the chain between the chainrings to enable front gear shifting. It helps move the chain from one chainring to another. Like the rear derailleur, the 105 front derailleur is available in various models, such as FD-R7000 and FD-5800. These front derailleurs are designed for double chainring setups and are compatible with 11-speed drivetrains.
Shifters
Shimano Sora: Its shifters are designed to provide reliable and smooth shifting performance for entry-level road cyclists. They feature an integrated brake and shift lever design known as Dual Control, allowing for intuitive and convenient shifting and braking operation from the same lever.
The shifters utilize Shimano’s Optislick cable routing system, which reduces friction and improves shifting responsiveness.
Sora shifters are compatible with 9-speed drivetrains and other Sora components, and they often come with reach adjustment options to accommodate different hand sizes and preferences. They are easy to install and maintain, making them a user-friendly choice for riders.
While they may not have the advanced features of higher-end groupsets, Shimano Sora shifters deliver reliable shifting performance at an affordable price, making them an excellent option for entry-level cyclists.
Shimano 105: These shifters are known for their exceptional performance and precise shifting capabilities. These shifters are part of the 105 groupset, which sits in Shimano’s mid-range lineup and offers high-level performance for road cyclists.
It features an integrated Dual Control lever design, combining the shifting and braking functions into one lever for convenient operation. They are designed for 11-speed drivetrains, providing various gear options for riding conditions.
Additionally, these shifters often offer reach adjustment options, allowing riders to customize the lever position for optimal ergonomics and comfort. The shifters incorporate Shimano’s advanced technologies, such as Optislick cable routing, which ensures smooth and efficient shifting with minimal friction.
Brakes
Shimano Sora: Its brakes provide reliable braking performance for entry-level road cyclists. Available in caliper and disc brake options, Sora brakes offer versatility to accommodate different bike setups. The caliper brakes feature a dual-pivot design, delivering adequate stopping power and modulation.
They are compatible with standard road bike rims and caliper mounts. Sora disc brakes, available in hydraulic or mechanical versions, enhance braking performance in various conditions.
They offer superior stopping power, consistency, and modulation. Sora brakes are designed with durability in mind, ensuring long-lasting performance.
While they may lack the advanced features of higher-end Shimano groupsets, Sora brakes are a dependable and cost-effective choice for riders starting their road cycling journey.
Shimano 105: Its brakes are renowned for their excellent stopping power and precise modulation, making them popular among road cyclists seeking high-performance braking. These brakes are part of the Shimano 105 groupset, which offers top-tier features at a more affordable price point.
Available in both caliper and disc brake options, Shimano 105 brakes deliver consistent and reliable braking performance in various riding conditions.
The caliper brakes utilize a dual-pivot design, providing optimal power transfer and control. They are compatible with standard road bike rims and caliper mounts. The disc brakes, available in hydraulic or mechanical variants, offer superior stopping power and modulation, particularly in wet or challenging environments.
With their durable construction and advanced braking technologies, Shimano 105 brakes deliver exceptional performance for discerning road cyclists looking for reliable and efficient braking solutions.
Chain
Shimano Sora: This chain is a vital component of the Sora groupset, designed for entry-level road cycling. It provides reliable and smooth power transmission between the chainrings and cassette.
The Sora chain features durable construction made with high-quality materials to ensure longevity and efficient performance. It is compatible with 9-speed drivetrains, offering various gear options for riding conditions.
It incorporates Shimano’s Hyperglide technology, enabling precise and smooth shifting under load. It is designed to work seamlessly with Sora front and rear derailleurs, ensuring optimal compatibility and shifting performance.
The Sora chain requires regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, to ensure its longevity and smooth operation. With its reliability and cost-effective price point, the Shimano Sora chain is an excellent choice for beginners or budget-conscious riders seeking a dependable drivetrain component.
Shimano 105: This chain is a high-quality component within the Shimano 105 groupset, offering exceptional performance for road cyclists. It is designed to provide smooth and reliable power transfer between the chainrings and cassette.
The 105 chain is compatible with 11-speed drivetrains, ensuring a wide range of gear options for versatile riding conditions. The 105 chain delivers excellent longevity and efficient power transmission.
It features Shimano’s Hyperglide technology, enabling precise and quick shifting even under load. The 105 chain is designed to work seamlessly with other 105 drivetrain components, including front and rear derailleurs.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, is recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity. With its high-performance characteristics, the Shimano 105 chain is ideal for riders who prioritize smooth shifting and durability on the road.
Cassette
Shimano Sora: The cassette is an essential component of the Sora groupset, designed for entry-level road cycling. It offers a range of gear ratios to accommodate various terrains and riding conditions. The Sora cassette typically features a 9-speed configuration, balancing gear options, and affordability.
It is made of sturdy materials to survive frequent use and retain its smooth-moving function. The Sora cassette incorporates Shimano’s Hyperglide technology, ensuring precise and quick gear changes.
It is compatible with Sora rear derailleurs and shifters, ensuring optimal shifting performance. The Sora cassette requires proper installation and periodic maintenance to ensure smooth operation and longevity.
With its reliable performance and cost-effective price, the Shimano Sora cassette is a popular choice for beginners or riders on a budget looking for a dependable and versatile cassette option for their road bike.
Shimano 105: The cassette is a high-performance component within the Shimano 105 groupset, designed for road cyclists seeking optimal gear options.
It offers various gear ratios, providing versatility for various terrains and riding styles. The 105 cassette is typically available in 11-speed configurations, delivering precise and smooth shifting transitions.
It is constructed with durable materials to ensure longevity and consistent performance. The 105 cassette features Shimano’s Hyperglide technology, allowing for seamless gear changes, even under load.
It is compatible with 105 rear derailleurs and shifters, ensuring optimal compatibility and reliable shifting performance.
The 105 cassette requires proper installation and regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, to maintain its performance and durability. With its exceptional shifting capabilities and durability, the Shimano 105 cassette is preferred for road cyclists who prioritize reliable and efficient gear shifting.
Shimano Sora Vs Shimano 105 Groupset – Similarities
There are various similarities in those groupsets. Such as,
- Compatibility: Both Sora and 105 groupsets are designed to be compatible with Shimano’s 9-speed and 11-speed drivetrains, respectively.
- Shifters and Derailleurs: Both groupsets offer integrated shifters and derailleurs for precise and reliable gear shifting.
- Dual Control Lever Design: Sora and 105 shifters utilize Shimano’s Dual Control lever design, combining shifting and braking functions for convenient operation.
- Brake Options: Both groupsets have caliper and disc brake options, providing flexibility for different bike setups.
- Technologies: Both groupsets incorporate Shimano’s technologies, such as Hyperglide for smooth gear shifting and Optislick cable routing for reduced friction.
- Durability: Sora and 105 groupsets are constructed with durable materials, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A Shimano Sora & 105 Groupset Typically Cost?
Shimano Sora groupset typically ranges from $400 to $700. It includes the shifters, derailleurs, brakes, crankset, bottom bracket, chain, cassette, and other components. The cost of a Shimano 105 groupset typically ranges from $700 to $1,000. It includes the shifters, derailleurs, brakes, crankset, bottom bracket, chain, cassette, and other components.
Are Shimano Sora And 105 Components Compatible With Each Other?
No, Shimano Sora and Shimano 105 components are not compatible with each other.
Shimano Sora is a lower-end groupset than Shimano 105, and the components are not interchangeable. Shimano Sora components are designed to be lighter and less expensive than Shimano 105 components and are not compatible with higher-end components.
Can I Upgrade From Shimano Sora To Shimano 105?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade from Shimano Sora to Shimano 105. However, remember that the upgrade would involve replacing multiple components, including shifters, derailleurs, brakes, and possibly the cassette and chain, to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Final Words
The Shimano Sora Groupset and Shimano 105 Groupset offer reliable and durable components for road cycling. The Sora Groupset is an entry-level option designed to be lightweight and affordable, while the 105 Groupset is a higher-end option designed to be more durable and provide better performance.
Both groupsets offer reliable and durable components suitable for road cycling, but the 105 Groupset is the better option for those who want a higher level of performance.
