Shimano Claris Vs Sora (Which Is Better Shimano Groupset?)

Shimano Claris and Shimano Sora may be at the lowest levels of the Shimano groupset hierarchy, but they are generally decent performers, especially on entry-level bikes. But what between Shimano Claris vs Sora is better?

Shimano Claris is more affordable and generally suits high-speed entry-level road bikes. On the other end, Shimano Sora has more quality components, making it costlier but better suited to low-speed road and mountain bikes.

Since these two groupsets are lower on the Shimano hierarchy, they are only best for entry-level bikes.

If you want a more high-end experience, you have to climb up the hierarchy and get Shimano 105, Ultegra, or Dura-Ace.

Now, let me help you choose between Claris and Sora, according to your cycling needs. I’ll compare the two groupsets according to their components, compatibility, and cost.

I’ll also highlight their pros and cons.

Let’s get started!

In a rush? Check out what customers are saying about the two Shimano groupsets below:

Shimano Sora Groupsets
Shimano Claris Groupsets

Side-By-Side Comparison of Shimano Claris Vs Sora.

Here’s how the two groupsets differ:

1. Shifter

Shimano stays true to their original dual-control shifting mechanism on the two groupsets and throughout the hierarchy.

The dual-control system allows you to shift smoothly, and there is no difference between Claris and Sora and other high-level groupsets.

However, the primary difference is in the shifters cable routing, where Sora enjoys a sleeker design.

The Sora’s shifter is also easier to use, thanks to its simpler design and light padding. Plus, it’s slightly high-end, owing to the use of quality components.

In terms of suitability, the Shimano Claris shifter is best for high-speed cycling, while the Shimano Sora shifter is best for low-speed cycling.

Verdict – Sora offers you a more high-quality, sleeker, and easier-to-use shifter. And concerning the application, while Sora is best for low-speed shifting, Claris is best for high-speed shifting.

2. Cassette

Shimano Claris features a dual or triple-chainring system, which increases cadence. Sora also comes with double or triple chainrings.

The difference is that the Claris rear cassette has eight speeds, but you get nine (one extra cog) on Sora. So, Sora offers you more control, making it best for slightly technical terrains.

Verdict – The additional cog on Sora gives you more control, making Sora slightly more high-end.

3. Shimano Sora vs Shimano Claris Derailleur

Front Derailleur

Though the Claris front derailleur works just fine, it’s not as smooth as what you find on most Shimano groupsets. You’ll likely feel some resistance when shifting to the smaller chainring.

Gear changes are smoother when it comes to Sora, even though you may not notice them as a beginner. You’ll, however, notice the front derailleur responding.

Verdict – The Claris front derailleur experiences some resistance when shifting, and that can be frustrating. So, performance-wise, Sora wins here as the shifting is smoother.

Rear Derailleur

The Claris rear derailleur doesn’t suffer as much resistance as the front derailleur. Thus, it allows you to shift smoothly without any readjustment.

Shimano Sora’s rear derailleur also performs as smoothly as Claris, without being sloppy or needing adjustments.

Verdict – The two groupsets share the spoils here. Both of the rear derailleurs allow smooth gear changes.

4. Shimano Claris Groupset Vs Sora Brakes

Though Claris rim brakes are not as sleek as those you get on high-end groupsets, they are spot on, making it easy to stop.

The Sora rim brakes, however, are more underwhelming. They take much longer to respond, which can be frustrating.

Overall, the Claris brake system offers an attachment system perfect for Shimano bikes and even other bikes.

However, the Sora system is better suited to Shimano bikes, even though they work on other bikes.

Verdict – A Claris rim brakes are more responsive than Sora rim brakes. Plus, it offers a better attachment for all bike types.

5. Chainring

Shimano Claris’ chainring makes the shifting slightly more aggressive than what you get from Sora. Its advantage over Sora, however, is that it’s more durable.

Verdict – A Claris’ chainring makes the shifting more aggressive than a Claris’ chainring.

6. Compatibility

Shimano Claris groupsets are more compatible with most high-speed entry-level or standard road bicycles with an 8-speed setting, owing to their 8-speed cassette.

Shimano Sora groupsets, in contrast, are more compatible with low-speed road bikes and MTBs with a 9-speed setting.

Verdict – While Claris is compatible with 8-speed road bikes, Sora is compatible with 9-speed cycles.

7. Cost

Shimano Claris has more low-quality parts, thus cheaper than Sora.

Verdict – Shimano Sora is costlier than Claris.

Shimano Claris Vs Sora Review – Pros And Cons

Shimano Claris

Pros

Cheaper than Sora
Best for high-speed entry-level road bikes
More responsive rim brakes
The rear transmission is more reliable
Better attachment for all bike types

Cons

The front shifting is a little harder
The chainring makes the shifting a little aggressive
Experiences huge gear jumps, owing to its 8-speed system
It doesn’t offer racing quality

Shimano Sora

Pros

Best for entry-level low-speed bikes
Also best for climbs
Easier and more comfortable to shift than Claris
Gives lots of possibility for upgrades
Components are more high-quality, thus good value for money

Cons

Slightly costlier
The groupset requires regular tuning
It’s not the best for more adventurers cyclists or racers
Underwhelming rim brakes
Not compatible with 8-speed

Is Shimano Claris Better Than Sora? My View

Shimano Claris is not just more affordable but reliable too on entry-level bikes. So, budget-wise, it’s a better choice.

Plus, its rim brakes are more responsive and enjoy a more durable chainring.

Its major limitation is that it restricts you to only an 8-speed system. As a result, it doesn’t offer racing quality.

So, even though it’s best for high-speed biking, you can only use it for casual high-speed riding.

And when it comes to its shifter, its shifting performance is satisfactory but not as comfortable or easier as Sora. So, that’s another area that it falls short.

But in terms of use, Shimano Claris is a better choice for entry-level road bikes, touring bikes, and fitness bikes, owing to its high-speed mechanism.

Is Shimano Sora Better Than Claris? My View

The Sora groupset enjoys a more straightforward mechanism that makes the transmission easier, thus great for entry-level bikes.

At slow speed, you can comfortably switch between gears and take on challenging terrains.

So, that makes it best for entry-level road bikes and mountain bikes. Note, however, that Sora is costlier, which makes it less appealing for budget buyers.

But given that you are paying for more quality, the price is worth it. You may, however, have to compromise on the rim brakes as they are not as responsive as Claris’.

FAQs

1. Is Shimano Sora Any Good?

Shimano Sora offers you some quality components for the right price. It’s best for low-speed bikes, especially entry-level road bikes and special MTBs.

It also enjoys a more comfortable shifter and features more high components, thus high-quality. Despite its higher price than Claris, Shimano Sora is good.

2. Is Shimano Claris That Bad?

Shimano Claris may be cheaper, but it’s not bad for entry-level cyclists. It has decent shifters and generally suits high-speed entry-level bikes, especially road bikes.

And since it offers an 8-speed package, you can use it for casual racing.

3. Which Shimano Groupset Is Best?

Based on the Shimano groupset hierarchy, Dura-Ace, Ultegra, and Shimano 105 are more high-end in the same order. Those on the lower end of the hierarchy (Claris, Sora, and Tiagra) suit entry-level casual bikers.

4. Is Shimano Claris Better Than Tourney?

The major advantage that the Claris has over the Tourney is that it has a more user-friendly design. The other advantage is that Claris offers you a complete system.

5. Can I Race With Shimano Claris?

Though Shimano Claris is a decent choice for road bikes, it’s not the best for racing. You can race it with it as a beginner, but that’s about it.

You cannot use it professionally as you need a lighter and more sophisticated system such as an Ultegra or Dura-Ace.

6. How Many Speed Is Shimano Sora?

The Shimano Sora is a 9-speed groupset.

7. Can You Upgrade Shimano Claris?

You have two options when it comes to upgrading Shimano Claris. You can either get a Claris upgrade or change the entire groupset, which is expensive. So, it’s not cost-effective to upgrade a Claris.

8. How Do You Shift Shimano Sora?

You need to press the left brake lever using your left hand to shift the chain to the higher front gear, and when you push down the shifter button, the chain shifts to the lower front gear.