Sora vs. Tiagra - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

08-29-2004, 04:13 PM

Greetings,

I am only interested in getting a decent workout, do you guys
think Tiagra components offer advantages over Sora? I do not
think 8- and 9-speed are that different. I am new to this and
do not want to spend much, but if Tiagra does give better
performance (what is performance anyway? :-), I do not mind
paying more.

For example, between the Giant OCR 3 and OCR 2... What is the
big deal?

Thanks.

-MK

08-29-2004, 06:01 PM

On 29 Aug 2004 16:13:02 -0700, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Viatl Info) wrote:

>Greetings,
>
>I am only interested in getting a decent workout, do you guys
>think Tiagra components offer advantages over Sora? I do not
>think 8- and 9-speed are that different. I am new to this and
>do not want to spend much, but if Tiagra does give better
>performance (what is performance anyway? :-), I do not mind
>paying more.
>
>For example, between the Giant OCR 3 and OCR 2... What is the
>big deal?
>
>Thanks.
>
>-MK

Hi, there are numerous differences, between the two, but seeing as the
norm is becoming 10 speed, 8 speed will be much more limiting. With
the 9 speed Tiagra, you will have many more options for upgrades and
regular maintenance. A good example is chains, there are more varities
of 9 speed chain, in more price ranges. Cassettes in 9 are available
in many price ranges from, I believe Hg-50 all the way to Dura-Ace,
there are also other brands that will work with 9-speed. It is mainly
that your options are greater.

One other consideration is that the shifters are different, the
Tiagras are the same style as all Shimano 9 speed, while the Sora
brifters are the only model configured that way, by Shimano.

As far as performance goes,that may be subjective. There are two
options 9 will allow, a wider gear range or a tighter one. Both have
their advantages.

Go with the Tiagra, if you become serious about biking, you will be
glad you did.

Life is Good!
Jeff

08-29-2004, 06:01 PM

On 29 Aug 2004 16:13:02 -0700, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Viatl Info) wrote:

>Greetings,
>
>I am only interested in getting a decent workout, do you guys
>think Tiagra components offer advantages over Sora? I do not
>think 8- and 9-speed are that different. I am new to this and
>do not want to spend much, but if Tiagra does give better
>performance (what is performance anyway? :-), I do not mind
>paying more.
>
>For example, between the Giant OCR 3 and OCR 2... What is the
>big deal?
>
>Thanks.
>
>-MK

Hi, there are numerous differences, between the two, but seeing as the
norm is becoming 10 speed, 8 speed will be much more limiting. With
the 9 speed Tiagra, you will have many more options for upgrades and
regular maintenance. A good example is chains, there are more varities
of 9 speed chain, in more price ranges. Cassettes in 9 are available
in many price ranges from, I believe Hg-50 all the way to Dura-Ace,
there are also other brands that will work with 9-speed. It is mainly
that your options are greater.

One other consideration is that the shifters are different, the
Tiagras are the same style as all Shimano 9 speed, while the Sora
brifters are the only model configured that way, by Shimano.

As far as performance goes,that may be subjective. There are two
options 9 will allow, a wider gear range or a tighter one. Both have
their advantages.

Go with the Tiagra, if you become serious about biking, you will be
glad you did.

Life is Good!
Jeff

08-29-2004, 06:01 PM

On 29 Aug 2004 16:13:02 -0700, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Viatl Info) wrote:

>Greetings,
>
>I am only interested in getting a decent workout, do you guys
>think Tiagra components offer advantages over Sora? I do not
>think 8- and 9-speed are that different. I am new to this and
>do not want to spend much, but if Tiagra does give better
>performance (what is performance anyway? :-), I do not mind
>paying more.
>
>For example, between the Giant OCR 3 and OCR 2... What is the
>big deal?
>
>Thanks.
>
>-MK

Hi, there are numerous differences, between the two, but seeing as the
norm is becoming 10 speed, 8 speed will be much more limiting. With
the 9 speed Tiagra, you will have many more options for upgrades and
regular maintenance. A good example is chains, there are more varities
of 9 speed chain, in more price ranges. Cassettes in 9 are available
in many price ranges from, I believe Hg-50 all the way to Dura-Ace,
there are also other brands that will work with 9-speed. It is mainly
that your options are greater.

One other consideration is that the shifters are different, the
Tiagras are the same style as all Shimano 9 speed, while the Sora
brifters are the only model configured that way, by Shimano.

As far as performance goes,that may be subjective. There are two
options 9 will allow, a wider gear range or a tighter one. Both have
their advantages.

Go with the Tiagra, if you become serious about biking, you will be
glad you did.

Life is Good!
Jeff

08-29-2004, 06:01 PM

On 29 Aug 2004 16:13:02 -0700, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Viatl Info) wrote:

>Greetings,
>
>I am only interested in getting a decent workout, do you guys
>think Tiagra components offer advantages over Sora? I do not
>think 8- and 9-speed are that different. I am new to this and
>do not want to spend much, but if Tiagra does give better
>performance (what is performance anyway? :-), I do not mind
>paying more.
>
>For example, between the Giant OCR 3 and OCR 2... What is the
>big deal?
>
>Thanks.
>
>-MK

Hi, there are numerous differences, between the two, but seeing as the
norm is becoming 10 speed, 8 speed will be much more limiting. With
the 9 speed Tiagra, you will have many more options for upgrades and
regular maintenance. A good example is chains, there are more varities
of 9 speed chain, in more price ranges. Cassettes in 9 are available
in many price ranges from, I believe Hg-50 all the way to Dura-Ace,
there are also other brands that will work with 9-speed. It is mainly
that your options are greater.

One other consideration is that the shifters are different, the
Tiagras are the same style as all Shimano 9 speed, while the Sora
brifters are the only model configured that way, by Shimano.

As far as performance goes,that may be subjective. There are two
options 9 will allow, a wider gear range or a tighter one. Both have
their advantages.

Go with the Tiagra, if you become serious about biking, you will be
glad you did.

Life is Good!
Jeff

08-30-2004, 06:59 AM

Jeff Starr Wrote:
> Hi, there are numerous differences, between the two, but seeing as the
> norm is becoming 10 speed, 8 speed will be much more limiting. With
> the 9 speed Tiagra, you will have many more options for upgrades and
> regular maintenance. A good example is chains, there are more varities
> of 9 speed chain, in more price ranges. Cassettes in 9 are available
> in many price ranges from, I believe Hg-50 all the way to Dura-Ace,
> there are also other brands that will work with 9-speed. It is mainly
> that your options are greater.
>
> One other consideration is that the shifters are different, the
> Tiagras are the same style as all Shimano 9 speed, while the Sora
> brifters are the only model configured that way, by Shimano.
>
> As far as performance goes,that may be subjective. There are two
> options 9 will allow, a wider gear range or a tighter one. Both have
> their advantages.
>
> Go with the Tiagra, if you become serious about biking, you will be
> glad you did.
>
>
> Life is Good!
> Jeff

I agree, Tiagra is mostly better because of the upgrade path. T
upgrade a bike with Sora components can be cost prohibitive. If yo
only looking for a workout and nothing more, Sora will be fine. Usin
a triple chainring will give you plenty of gears to choose from.
However, if you ever decide to start racing you'll be better off wit
Tiagra or higher. The upgrade path is easier and the shifters make's
big difference in racing.

Dan

--
BanditManDan

08-30-2004, 06:59 AM

Jeff Starr Wrote:
> Hi, there are numerous differences, between the two, but seeing as the
> norm is becoming 10 speed, 8 speed will be much more limiting. With
> the 9 speed Tiagra, you will have many more options for upgrades and
> regular maintenance. A good example is chains, there are more varities
> of 9 speed chain, in more price ranges. Cassettes in 9 are available
> in many price ranges from, I believe Hg-50 all the way to Dura-Ace,
> there are also other brands that will work with 9-speed. It is mainly
> that your options are greater.
>
> One other consideration is that the shifters are different, the
> Tiagras are the same style as all Shimano 9 speed, while the Sora
> brifters are the only model configured that way, by Shimano.
>
> As far as performance goes,that may be subjective. There are two
> options 9 will allow, a wider gear range or a tighter one. Both have
> their advantages.
>
> Go with the Tiagra, if you become serious about biking, you will be
> glad you did.
>
>
> Life is Good!
> Jeff

I agree, Tiagra is mostly better because of the upgrade path. T
upgrade a bike with Sora components can be cost prohibitive. If yo
only looking for a workout and nothing more, Sora will be fine. Usin
a triple chainring will give you plenty of gears to choose from.
However, if you ever decide to start racing you'll be better off wit
Tiagra or higher. The upgrade path is easier and the shifters make's
big difference in racing.

Dan

--
BanditManDan

08-30-2004, 06:59 AM

Jeff Starr Wrote:
> Hi, there are numerous differences, between the two, but seeing as the
> norm is becoming 10 speed, 8 speed will be much more limiting. With
> the 9 speed Tiagra, you will have many more options for upgrades and
> regular maintenance. A good example is chains, there are more varities
> of 9 speed chain, in more price ranges. Cassettes in 9 are available
> in many price ranges from, I believe Hg-50 all the way to Dura-Ace,
> there are also other brands that will work with 9-speed. It is mainly
> that your options are greater.
>
> One other consideration is that the shifters are different, the
> Tiagras are the same style as all Shimano 9 speed, while the Sora
> brifters are the only model configured that way, by Shimano.
>
> As far as performance goes,that may be subjective. There are two
> options 9 will allow, a wider gear range or a tighter one. Both have
> their advantages.
>
> Go with the Tiagra, if you become serious about biking, you will be
> glad you did.
>
>
> Life is Good!
> Jeff

I agree, Tiagra is mostly better because of the upgrade path. T
upgrade a bike with Sora components can be cost prohibitive. If yo
only looking for a workout and nothing more, Sora will be fine. Usin
a triple chainring will give you plenty of gears to choose from.
However, if you ever decide to start racing you'll be better off wit
Tiagra or higher. The upgrade path is easier and the shifters make's
big difference in racing.

Dan

--
BanditManDan

08-30-2004, 06:59 AM

Jeff Starr Wrote:
> Hi, there are numerous differences, between the two, but seeing as the
> norm is becoming 10 speed, 8 speed will be much more limiting. With
> the 9 speed Tiagra, you will have many more options for upgrades and
> regular maintenance. A good example is chains, there are more varities
> of 9 speed chain, in more price ranges. Cassettes in 9 are available
> in many price ranges from, I believe Hg-50 all the way to Dura-Ace,
> there are also other brands that will work with 9-speed. It is mainly
> that your options are greater.
>
> One other consideration is that the shifters are different, the
> Tiagras are the same style as all Shimano 9 speed, while the Sora
> brifters are the only model configured that way, by Shimano.
>
> As far as performance goes,that may be subjective. There are two
> options 9 will allow, a wider gear range or a tighter one. Both have
> their advantages.
>
> Go with the Tiagra, if you become serious about biking, you will be
> glad you did.
>
>
> Life is Good!
> Jeff

I agree, Tiagra is mostly better because of the upgrade path. T
upgrade a bike with Sora components can be cost prohibitive. If yo
only looking for a workout and nothing more, Sora will be fine. Usin
a triple chainring will give you plenty of gears to choose from.
However, if you ever decide to start racing you'll be better off wit
Tiagra or higher. The upgrade path is easier and the shifters make's
big difference in racing.

Dan

--
BanditManDan

08-30-2004, 01:40 PM

Thanks.

I may not want to upgrade. Not a big fan of over-engineering.

However, if Sora is on the way out, and availability could be an issue,
I would avoid it.

BanditManDan <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>...
> Jeff Starr Wrote:
> > Hi, there are numerous differences, between the two, but seeing as the
> > norm is becoming 10 speed, 8 speed will be much more limiting. With
> > the 9 speed Tiagra, you will have many more options for upgrades and
> > regular maintenance. A good example is chains, there are more varities
> > of 9 speed chain, in more price ranges. Cassettes in 9 are available
> > in many price ranges from, I believe Hg-50 all the way to Dura-Ace,
> > there are also other brands that will work with 9-speed. It is mainly
> > that your options are greater.
> >
> > One other consideration is that the shifters are different, the
> > Tiagras are the same style as all Shimano 9 speed, while the Sora
> > brifters are the only model configured that way, by Shimano.
> >
> > As far as performance goes,that may be subjective. There are two
> > options 9 will allow, a wider gear range or a tighter one. Both have
> > their advantages.
> >
> > Go with the Tiagra, if you become serious about biking, you will be
> > glad you did.
> >
> >
> > Life is Good!
> > Jeff
>
> I agree, Tiagra is mostly better because of the upgrade path. To
> upgrade a bike with Sora components can be cost prohibitive. If you
> only looking for a workout and nothing more, Sora will be fine. Using
> a triple chainring will give you plenty of gears to choose from.
> However, if you ever decide to start racing you'll be better off with
> Tiagra or higher. The upgrade path is easier and the shifters make's a
> big difference in racing.
>
> Dan.