Shimano holds over 50% of the market share for bicycle components, so it shouldn’t surprise you that its groupsets are widely used in the cycling community. After all, the brand offers quality products, but my focus today is comparing Shimano Sora Vs 105.
Shimano Sora is a 9-speed groupset with a triple or double crank. It’s cheaper and ranked lower than 105 but higher than Claris and better with flat-bar bicycle frames. On the other hand, Shimano 105 has 11 speeds, is faster and lighter than Sora, and fitted with more reliable shifters and brakes.
Generally, Shimano 105 is superior to Shimano Sora, but it will cost you more. However, keep reading for more details.
Shimano Sora Vs 105: An In-Depth Comparison
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Shimano 105 and Sora.
1. Braking Power
Both Shimano Sora and 105 have you covered if you want calipers and disc brakes.
When it comes to disc brakes, 105 have the upper hand because they offer a hydraulic system that is more complex and gives superior braking. On the other hand, Shimano Sora has a mechanical system.
In terms of caliper brakes, 105 has a dual-pivot design that allows direct mounting. The current upgrades are more aero, dependable, and responsive than the previous ones.
Moreover, Shimano Sora’s calipers have also been upgraded, with the braking power raised by up to 20%.
Rim Brakes Comparison Table
| Properties | Shimano Sora | Shimano 105 |
| Max Tire Size | 28C | 28C |
| Rim Width | 19-28mm | 20.8 – 28 mm |
| Quick Release | Yes | Yes |
| Technologies | New Super SLR | SLR EV |
| Reach | 51mm | 51mm |
Verdict: Shimano 105 groupset has better, more reliable, and responsive brakes.
2. Gearing
Shimano Sora has a 9-speed gear system, while 105 comes with an 11-speed gear system. Therefore, 2-speed differences can make a difference, depending on where you cycle.
An 11-speed system means smaller jumps translating more efficient and smoother shifting. On the other hand, a 9-speed has larger jumps, leading to rougher shifting, but sufficient enough to handle pitchless flatlands and steep mountains.
Therefore, the 105’s gear has more speeds and facilitates smoother shifting than Sora, but the difference may not matter or be a deal-breaker.
You can comfortably use a 9-speed or 11-speed if you ride mostly on flat surfaces. However, 105’s 11-speed gear system will serve you better in various terrains.
Verdict: Shimano 105’s gear is superior to Sora’s because it’s more versatile and better for climbing.
3. The Crankset
Both groupsets offer similar crankset styling, featuring slick finishes and a four-arm crank joined with the chainrings. However, while the 105 crankset offers only a double chainset, the Shimano Sora provides an option between a double or a triple chainset.
The Shimano 105’s chainset comes in silver and black and is aesthetically pleasing due to the premium glossy finish. It’s also lighter than Sora’s chainset, weighing 752g and 953g, respectively.
Moreover, 105’s newly installed inner ring prevents cross-chaining.
Since Shimano higher-tier sets no longer have triple chainsets, Sora is an excellent choice for cyclists looking for extra gearing to help with steep areas.
Chainset Comparison Table
| Properties | Shimano Sora | Shimano 105 |
| Crank Arm Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Design | 2-piece | 2-piece |
| Chainring Material | Steel | Anodized Aluminum |
| Gear Arms | 4 | 4 |
| Axle Material | Steel | Steel |
| Weight | 1180g | 716g |
Verdict: Shimano Sora offers a triple chainset that comes in handy in rugged, steep terrains. However, Shimano 105 chainset is considerably lighter.
4. Shifters
The shifters in both Shimano 105 and Sora have integrated brake and shift levers that operate similarly. If you want to brake, pull back the lever, while shifting entails swinging the lever in towards the bike frame.
Additionally, a tiny button behind the lever triggers the opposite shift.
Despite the similarities, they also differ in other ways. For example, the 105 shifters have an ergonomic design, making them solid, light, and grippy.
Moreover, they offer a fairly precise and effortless gear switch with a satisfying click sound when you successfully shift gears.
On the other hand, sora shifters are less refined, more cumbersome, and bulkier than 105. Nonetheless, they deliver a flawless shift but need slightly more pull, making it feel a bit rougher.
Furthermore, Sora shifters offer flat-bar configuration for mountain, city, and gravel cyclists.
Verdict: Both groupsets have similar shifter style designs, but 105’s is more refined and provides a smoother gear change.
5. Front Derailleurs
These groupsets front derailleurs are pretty similar, offering brace-on and clamp-band mounting. They also have a polished silver look.
However, Sora front derailleurs work with triple and double chainsets, while 105 shifters only accommodate double chainsets.
If you want a triple-front Sora derailleur compatible with nine speeds, check out SHIMANO Front Mech Sora R3030 (View on Amazon). It has an aluminum band and links to raise rigidity and save weight and offers great value to sports-level road cyclists.
Front Derailleur Comparison
| Properties | Shimano Sora | Shimano 105 |
| Type | Clamp Band Mount, Brazed-on Mount | Clamp Band Mount, Brazed-on Mount |
| Action_Down Swing | Yes | Yes |
| Front Speeds | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Speeds | 9 | 11 |
| Chain Line | 43.5mm | 43.5mm |
| Weight | 128g | 98g |
Verdict: Shimano Sora front derailleurs are compatible with more chainsets.
6. Rear Derailleurs
Like the front derailleurs, Shimano Sora and 105 have similar rear derailleurs. They are available in medium-cage (GS) and short cage (SS) options and feature glossy black designs.
The medium-cage versions are configured to work with up to 34-teeth rear cassettes. On the other hand, Shimano Sora’s short cage accommodates a maximum of 32 teeth, while 105 can only fit 30 teeth.
However, 105 rear derailleurs are lighter, smaller, and more stable even on technical terrains.
Verdict: Shimano Sora is compatible with more sprocket numbers, but 105 is more stable and has a lower-profile design.
7. Cassettes
The cassettes configurations for 105 are 11-28, 12-25, 11-32, 11-30, and 11-34 and are paired with 11-speed, Hyperglide chains.
For instance, Shimano 105 CS-R7000 Sprocket Cassette (View on Amazon) offers rider-tuned gearing, high performance, wide gear options, and is ideal for beginner road bicyclists.
Contrastingly, the Sora cassettes come in 14-25T, 13-25T, 12-25T, 11-32T, 11-30T, and 11-25T configurations. You’ll need to pair them with a Hyperglide 9-speed chain.
Verdict: Although 105 groupset has two more gears than Sora, its cassettes are lighter.
Shimano Sora Vs 105: Which One Costs More?
At the moment, Shimano Sora (R3000) with caliper brakes will cost you about $350 and $400 for a one with mechanical disc brakes.
On the other hand, a 105 (R7000) groupset that has caliper brakes goes for around $500, while one with disc brakes is about $700.
Verdict: Shimano 105 costs more than Shimano Sora.
Shimano Sora Vs 105: Pros & Cons
Shimano Sora Pros
- Decent disc and caliper brakes
- Budget-friendly
- It offers triple and double crankset
- It’s compatible with bicycles with flat-bars
Sora Cons
- It’s bulkier than 105
- Shifting is rougher because it suffers bigger jumps
Shimano 105 Pros
- It’s sleeker, lighter, and more stable
- It offers smooth shifting
- Excellent braking power
- Good performance sufficient for racing
- Durable
Shimano 105 cons
- It’s pricier than Sora
Is Shimano 105 Better Than Sora?
Shimano 105 is better than Shimano Sora because it has more incredible features that make bicycling more enjoyable and effortless. So, it’s no wonder it is ranked higher than Sora in the hierarchy.
It has better brakes, more speeds, smoother shifting, and is more versatile, sleeker, and weighs less than Sora. However, it’s not perfect as the Shimano Sora crankset is better on rugged grounds.
FAQs
1. Is Shimano Sora Any Good?
Shimano Sora is a good groupset that offers decent braking and shifting and is suitable for multi-discipline cyclists on a budget. You can use it on your entry-level road bike, commuter bike, gravel bike, and mountain bike.
2. Is Shimano 105 Any Good?
Shimano 105 is a good, reliable, durable groupset that offers desirable racing performance. Furthermore, it provides top-notch shifting and braking, is great in climbs, and rocks appealing design and aesthetics.
Its performance is more in-line with Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra than Claris, Sora, and Tiagra. However, it’s not as good as the pricier Ultegra and Dura-Ace.
3. Is Shimano Sora Worth It?
Shimano Sora is worth it because it offers good performance, comprising reliable shifting and braking. Moreover, since it provides triple cranksets, you can navigate rougher terrains better.
It’s an excellent option for cyclists looking for a decent groupset without spending much.
4. Can You Replace Shimano Sora With 105?
You can replace Shimano Sora with Shimano 105, but that may require changing the whole groupset from the derailleurs to the brakes. While that sounds like a lot of work, the result will be a faster bike that’s better at climbing.
Conclusion
The differences between Shimano Sora vs 105 are pretty straightforward, with 105 having the upper hand. It is more durable, lighter, and sleeker, has better brakes and shifters, and comes with a wider gear range.
Shimano 105 provides a balance between performance and prices for competitive and casual racers. However, Shimano Sora is still a decent alternative if you can’t afford it.
Also, read:
- Shimano Claris Vs Tiagra
- Shimano Sora Vs Tiagra
- Shimano Claris Vs Sora
