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Shifter upgrades

by pdows47
Mon, Feb 11, 2013 21:44
8

Hi everyone,

I'm currently running a Shimano 2300 groupset (came as stock on bike) and want to upgrade my shifters to one without the annoying thumb shifter thingys. Unfortunately I don't have lots of money to spend on a full upgrade (I'm a student, but not one of the money grabbing kinds :P). Should I get the new Sora's, with a new cassette and chain, if that would work, or find an older 8 speed STI shifter and fit that?? I wish I could afford a full SRAM Apex, but thats not viable for a long while yet.

Cheers,
PD

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8 comments

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pmr | 12 years ago
0 likes

Tiagra 9 speed is bomb proof.
Took my old Tiagra 2003 groupset off as the chainset was a stupid 53/42, got a whole new 10 speed TT set up and turned it into a TT bike, but the Tiagra shifters and chain live on as part of my CX bike now!
I'd go ebay or check out cycle jumbles if I was really strapped for cash. (Bike jumbles are listed at the back of Cycling weekly)

Avatar
Marauder | 12 years ago
0 likes

I upgraded my Sora groupset to Tiagra a couple of years ago and they worked out fine. I bought most of the kit from Ebay too 4 .

I am sure not everyone will approve but new kit was just way too expensive for me and if you are careful you can pick up some good quality bargains on there.

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dave atkinson | 12 years ago
0 likes

New sora (3500) is basically old 9-speed tiagra, proper dual control. that technology will continue to trickle down.

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Bobbys boys | 12 years ago
0 likes

I've got Tiagra 9 speed on my winter bike and Dura Ace on my summer one. The difference between the two is really not that much ...... Tiagra really is very good!

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Forester | 12 years ago
0 likes

I've done 4000Km in the last year almost exclusively on Sora equipped bikes and not had any serious problems; I do change chain and cassette regularly ( at start of Summer season for fast bike and start of winter for Cyclocross hack). Now have a tiagra equipped Genesis and agree it is better, but needed a new front mech very quicly and now have a 105 on that. New Sora has done away with Mickey Mouse thumbshift and my understanding is that it is pretty robust and at my speeds weight isn't a major issue. I suppose get the best you can afford is the answer for a serious cyclist, but new Sora looks fine to me.

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crash144019 | 12 years ago
0 likes

My 2010 Giant came with Sora and honestly they're F'n awful and high maintenance fitted Shimano Tigra & no problems bearing in mind this is my commuting bike very robust. 9 speed set up is fairly cheap & if your throwing £150 plus at shifters what's another 70 for mechs? Would get the shifters as a set from wiggle chain reactions etc then your sure to get the full kit inc cables. Whilst your there order a basic tools set and cable cutters. Sorry if last bit sound's patronising just jobs a simple with some very basic cheap , but specialist tools

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pdows47 | 12 years ago
0 likes

Would they be compatible with the current deraileurs, or would I need to change them too??

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_SiD_ | 12 years ago
0 likes

Why not go for a 9 speed set up?
105 or Ultegra shifters are easy to pick up cheap.
Cassette and chains are a lot cheaper than 10/11 speed and will last a hell of a lot longer.

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