If you are a discerning buyer, looking to buy a new road bike, or perhaps even a MTB, you may be looking into the exact specifications of the bike. Apart from the frame build and quality (Carbon fibre, steel, aluminium, etc) something that will make or break the riding experience for you is the groupset being used.
While groupsets are generally put in different categories, choosing between multiple options in a single category can be tough and the first question that comes to mind is- Shimano Tiagra Vs Sora- What’s Better?
Overall, Tiagra has slightly higher specifications and will provide a marginal upgrade over Sora. Both the groupsets are intended for amateur riding, training few times a week, commuting and for the average person, the differences between Tiagra and Sora will not be noticeable.
Here’s a slightly more detailed comparison of Shimano Tiagra Vs Sora:
| Comparison Parameter | Shimano Sora | Shimano Tiagra |
| Who is it for | For training and commuting | For training and commuting |
| Speed | 9 | 10 |
| Crankset (No of chainrings) | 2/3 chainring versions available (50:39:30t & 50:34t) | 2/3 chainring versions available (50:34t, 52:36t and 50:39:30t) |
| Cassette Sprocket | 4 options- 11:25t ,11:28t , 11:32t and 11:34t | 4 options- 11:25t ,12:28t , 11:32t and 11:34t |
| Brakes, shifters and derailleurs | No fundamental difference | No fundamental difference |
| Chain | 9 speed chain | 10 speed chain with HGX system |
| Flat Bat Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Approx $380 / £331 on Amazon | Approx $420 / £366 on Amazon |
#1 Intended User. Shimano has multiple categories of groupsets- ranging from those intended for amateurs, semi-professionals to professionals. Tiagra and Sora groupsets fall in the entry level, amateur riding category.
#2 Speed. Within these two however, Tiagra is slightly better equipped for your training/commuting because of the extra gear. Tiagra is a 10 speed bike whereas Sora is a 9 speed bike. You could easily use Tiagra over Sora if you like doing intervals and are just getting started with racing.
Keep in mind though- Tiagra and Sora will not compatible with future upgrades. A large number of entry level road bikes are 11 speed these days, by default, as that also allows riders to start taking part in races seriously. If you go for Tiagra/Sora, just know that you will have to replace what gets worn out but you won’t be able to mix and match the components with other future upgrades of Groupsets.
#3 Crankset. Both Sora and Tiagra ranges have 2/3 chainring versions that you can choose from. Both of the cranksets have solid protection around the rim- so you can even ride with long pants. The difference between the offerings in Sora and Tiagra lie in the chainring teeth ratio.
Sora offers two options- 50:39:30t for triple chainring set and a compact version – 50:34t.
Tiagra crankset has two compact options compared to one in Sora- 50:34t and 52:36t (semi-compact). For the 3 chainring set, it offers the same specifications as Sora 50:39:30t .
#4 Cassette Sprocket. The cassette sprocket or hub goes to the rear of the bike and contains the ‘gears’, so to speak that are changed each time you press the rear shifter. Now, the cassettes may have 9 sprockets- that makes it 9 speed, as in the case of Sora. For Tiagra, the cassette will have 10 sprockets , hence Tiagra offers 10 speeds.
Another specification to note is the teeth ratio. Each sprocket has a certain number of teeth, and when you buy one from a bike shop, you just look at the ratio of teeth on the largest sprocket and smallest sprocket. If you are a bit confused here- please read this post first where I explain everything about bike gears, gear ratios and what ratios would work best for different types of riders.
Sora offers four cassette sprocket options- 11:25t ,11:28t ,11:32t and 11:34t.
Tiagra also offers four cassette sprocket options with a minor variation: 11:25t ,12:28t ,11:32t and 11:34t. It just offers a 12:28t option which is different from Sora’s corresponding 11:28t option. If you want a quick answer as to which cassette sprocket to choose – most amateur riders should go for 11:28t or 11:32t because it offers a wide range of gear ratios that will make your life easier.
Again, and I cannot recommend this enough- if you are still a bit unclear about this topic, I cannot recommend highly enough that you read this post first.
#5 Brakes, Shifters, Front and Rear Derailleurs. There’s no fundamental differences between Tiagra and Sora here, really. Both offer shifter and braking lever options for drop bars (road bike bars) and flat handlebars both. As per Shimano, the modulation of the braking power is higher by 30% on Tiagra- I doubt most amateurs would even notice that, however.
You can fit 28C tyres with the brakes of Tiagra. Also note that the front derailleur will come in different sizes based on the no of chainrings your crankset has. The rear derailleur will also have different sizes based on the cassette sprocket size- Tiagra will require a bigger rear derailleur than Sora.
#6 Chain. Pretty standard stuff here. 9 speed chain on Sora and 10 speed chain will be used for Tiagra. According to Shimano, the Tiagra chain has a HGX system so should shift a little bit more crisply.
#7 General Recommendation On Gear Ratios. If your crankset has 3 chainrings, go for 11:28t cassette and if you have a double crankset (2 chainrings) go for 11:32 cassette. If you are a bit more experienced, of course you can take a call and adjust the sprocket you buy based on types of rides you want to do.
#8 Cost. Tiagra is a bit higher priced than Sora. The extra gear sprocket, larger size requirement of rear derailleur as well as the higher performance (as per Shimano) means that Tiagra is priced higher. A complete Tiagra groupset should cost you approx. Approx $420 / £366 on Amazon whereas a Sora groupset should cost Approx $380 / £331 on Amazon
Shimano Tiagra Vs Sora Vs Claris
Another Shimano groupset offering is Claris. This is one of the most affordable and budget groupsets in the market and is generally seen in entry level road bikes, commuter bikes that are 8 speed. You can generally buy the entire groupset on amazon (not sold as a pack- you have to buy the individual items separately) for less than $330/ £285
Quality wise-Claris isn’t very different from Sora, however, you will notice some differences between Claris and Tiagra.
Claris has shifter and braking lever options for both drop bars (road bike bars) and flat handlebars- same as Tiagra and Claris.
The cassette sprocket has multiple 8 speed variants- 11:30t, 11:32t, 12:25t, 13:26t and 11:34t, and 11:28t. If you’re buying Claris- I would suggest going for the double crankset (2 chainrings) and 11:32t cassette.
Just something to note here- the braking system has an asymmetric dual pivot system, which is probably the only part of the groupset that might be a bit concerning for mountain bikers and heavier riders. You may want to consider an upgrade if you fall in these categories, otherwise, for general city riding and road biking- it’s absolutely fine.
Other Shimano Groupsets You May Consider.
Shimano 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace are the premium groupset versions that are designed for pro riders, or those that take part in races frequently. They cost upwards of $500 / £400 starting with the 105 range.
In comparison, you could view the Shimano Claris, Sora and Tiagra groupsets as those designed for amateur riding, training and commuting.
People Also Ask
Can You Mix and Match Groupsets?
Technically it is possible to mix and match groupsets, however it can be quite challenging due to the differential specifications on which each groupset is designed. Not all groupset components can be swapped with each other either, and one would have to check parameters like the size of items, the cabling methods, etc.
Will I Be Faster On Expensive Groupset?
Expensive groupsets are more oriented towards the needs of professional riders, for whom, a more sophisticated drivetrain, or a groupset lighter by a few hundred grams gives a big advantage. Amateurs however, can be fast on the cheaper groupsets as well and buying expensive ones will only give a minimal advantage.
Will A Higher Speed Bike Having More Gears Help Me Climb Better?
For climbing, it is the range of gears that matter, not the number of gears or how expensive the groupset is. A wider gear range, eg: 11:32t gives enough support to the rider on roads that go uphill, downhill as well as stay flat. A compact gear ratio, eg- 11:25t will not be as easy to ride on undulating paths. To know more about gear ratios and range, read this post
Is Sora Compatible With Tiagra?
Sora is 8 speed whereas Tiagra is 9 speed- which ensures that the chain and rear derailleur are not compatible. The from derailleur also would not be compatible as the chain used for Sora and Tiagra groupsets is different- which is why Sora is not compatible with Tiagra, and vice-versa.
Is it worth upgrading from Shimano Sora to 105 Groupset?
The 105 groupset has a dual pivot symmetrical design on the brake which feels a bit firmer than Sora. You also get a narrower chain as the bike is 11 speed, which is a major difference from the 9 speed Sora. These differences make the 105 worth the upgrade.
How Long Do Groupsets last?
Each groupset component has varying life. Assuming the average bike ride lasts at least 20 miles and 4 such rides in a week- most riders will need to change the bike chain every 12-15 months. The cassette sprocket in the rear should ideally be changed every 2 years, and the derailleurs and shifters every 3 years or so.
Shimano Tiagra Vs Ultegra.- What’s Better?
The Ultegra is obviously going to be more expensive, but still is a good buy if you can afford it. It’s rear derailleur is sleeker, sits close to the frame (almost flush) and hence is more hardy, doesn’t damage easily even in the event of a crash, and is more efficient than the Tiagra derailleur. Shimano calls it the ‘shadow system’ derailleur. Ultegra also gives the option of hydraulic and mechanical brakes, as well as calliper brake pads and disc brake options. Apart from this, Ultegra provides the standard, compact and semi-compact range of gears in the crankset and gear sprocket that you can choose from.
Shimano Ultegra Vs Dura-Ace.
Shimano Dura-Ace is lighter than the Ultegra because it uses metal alloys and carbon. It does not use any newer technologies when compared to Ultegra, but provides a large weight difference (approximately 300 g). The cost of Dura-Ace can be very prohibitive, however.
Should You Buy An Electronic Groupset- Shimano Di2?
Keeping in mind the extremely high cost and the fact that the Di2 is not completely wireless, it can be a bit tough to justify the cost, especially when it doesn’t give a big advantage even to pro riders compared to the Dura-Ace.
Which is the Best Shimano Groupset?
For a complete amateur, the Shimano Claris would be a good choice. The first upgrade thereafter could be the Shimano Ultegra which would fit the requirements for all those who like to participate in races, train on their bikes as well as use it for leisure rides, from time to time.