Shimano has released its new Sora road groupset, featuring mechanical disc brakes and E-THRU road wheels, for winter and urban commuting bikes
Forming the first part of its new 2017 road bike products, the new Sora (R3000) groupset remains nine-speed, but visually takes plenty of cues from its more expensive siblings.
There's a four-arm crankset, which takes on the two-tone black-grey gloss finish that first appeared on the top-level Dura-Ace, and which also now features on the Ultegra and 105 groups.
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Gearing and cranksets
The cranksets are available in double (50-34t) or triple (50-39-30t) configurations, and can be combined with a large-range 11-34t cassette to spin easily up the hills, thanks to the inclusion of two extra teeth on the cassette over the previous Sora.
Shifters and disc brakes
The integrated shifters/brake levers for drop handlebars get internal cable routing, and drive new flat-mount mechanical disc brake calipers that can be mated to steel or stainless steel disc rotors. Shimano also offers dual-pivot rim brakes in the new two-tone finish, if your bike lacks disc brake mounts.
Alternatively, for urban flat bar bikes, there are five-arm double (50-34t) and triple (50-39-30t) cranksets, Rapidfire Plus gear shifters and brake levers with Optislick cables.
Thru-axles
Described as being – surprise – Shimano’s “most attractive and robust nine-speed groupset yet”, the Shimano RX31 12mm wheelset and AX720 hubs include E-THRU technology to create a stronger wheel locking system.
Products are expected to be available from April, and we are currently chasing up prices. More to follow…