Shimano Sora R3000 launched, with mechanical disc brakes and thru-axle wheels

I suppose the "twisted" crank is so you can't use these cheaper rings on the more expensive grey groups like Ultegra...

@typevertigo

the Rever is made by Tektro (TRP) for Rever, with some small design changes

@Morat

mechanical cable disc brakes certainly have 'pistons' (pistons are called pistons whether actuated hydraulically or mechanically)

the Shimano brakes are locked into using the design of a fixed piston / single moving piston

TRP have the patent on their revolutionary Spyre design with the strirrup driving both moving pistons, so Shimano / Avid / Hayes / etc. cannot offer a similar design

A 9-speed groupset with hydraulic brakes and bargain price would be massive hit for commuters. Less spockets to clean in rain, more safety during braking. I cannot understand why MTBers enjoy an 9-speed altus groupset with hydros at 500 quid or less and roadies can't have it.

Any info as to whether the disk calipers are 1 or 2 piston? Hoping it's the latter. But then thinking about it being a budget groupset it's more likely that it's 1 piston. Bum.

why sh specifies beginner groups with 11t small sprockets? a 13-28 would be much sensible. I cannot stand 2 t jumps in the cassette. I'd be perfectly happy with a 13t sprocket, even with 50-48 large chainring..

I used the current Sora (3500?), it's quite heavy, shifting up to the big ring isn't easy (and I found it nearly impossible from the drops), gear changes on the rear were sluggish and the brakes were awful even with good pads.

If those issues have been addressed, then it could be a great groupset. I use 105 5800 now and it's brilliant, the new Tiagra sounds like it's pretty much a slightly heavier 10 speed version of that. If this new Sora groupset is slightly heavier again but offers similar performance for 9 speed, it would be brilliant for beginners and winter hacks.

The current Shimano 4 arm cranks are the ugliest cranks ever produced! In my humble opinion!

Sounds like some very sensible improvements. I think having a wide range cassette is a great idea for lower level group sets, as narrow ratios really aren't good for beginners and those who don't have the time to train most days, who are the people less likely to be buying Dura Ace (unless they happen to have a lot of disposable income!) The aero cables are a big improvement, for several reasons including riding in the dark (!) - the cables on my old tiagra annoy me with the shadows cast onto the road when commuting at night, however you mount lights on the bars.