New Rider - Is all Shimano Drivetrain worth spending extra cash?

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2008-10-23 5:21 PM

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New user
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Northern Ontario
Subject: New Rider - Is all Shimano Drivetrain worth spending extra cash?

I am about to buy a Women Specific Design entry level bike.  I am looking at a Trek WSD 1.2  It's drivetrain does not use all Shimano components.  Should I spend the extra $500 or more to ensure I have that (plus more carbon and other bits and bobs?  Here are the specs:

 
1.2 WSD

1.2 WSD

MSRP $879.99

View this Bike


Choose from the list above
Choose from the list above
Frameset   
SizesWomen's 43, 47, 50, 52, 54, 56cm  
FrameAlpha White Aluminum  
ForkBontrager Approved, carbon  
Wheels   
WheelsAlloy hubs; Bontrager Approved alloy rims  
TiresBontrager Select, 700x25c (43cm: 650x25c)  
Drivetrain   
ShiftersShimano Sora STI, 9 speed  
Front DerailleurShimano Sora, triple  
Rear DerailleurShimano Sora GS, 9 speed  
CrankFSA Vero T 50/39/30  
CassetteSRAM PG950 11-26, 9 speed  
PedalsNylon body w/alloy cage  
Components   
SaddleBontrager Race Basic FIT  
Seat PostBontrager Alloy, Infinite Angle Adjustability  
HandlebarsBontrager FIT VR Bend OS, 31.8mm  
StemBontrager SSR OS, 10 degree, 31.8mm  
HeadsetAheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed  
BrakesetAlloy dual pivot w/Shimano Sora STI levers

2008-10-23 6:09 PM
in reply to: #1762547

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New Rider - Is all Shimano Drivetrain worth spending extra cash?
You're fine. The drive train stuff is largely Shimano and the Bontrager other pieces are going to be good materials. The SRAM and FSA components will play along nicely w/o complaint. That should serve your needs for quite a few miles.

Main point: Does it fit?
2008-10-24 1:19 AM
in reply to: #1762547

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Master
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Subject: RE: New Rider - Is all Shimano Drivetrain worth spending extra cash?
You're fine with the FSA crank & SRAM cassette, but you might be better off in the long run spending some extra $$ to upgrade derailleurs & shifters from Sora to 105.
2008-10-24 7:20 AM
in reply to: #1763385

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Elite
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Subject: RE: New Rider - Is all Shimano Drivetrain worth spending extra cash?
tjh - 2008-10-24 2:19 AM

You're fine with the FSA crank & SRAM cassette, but you might be better off in the long run spending some extra $$ to upgrade derailleurs & shifters from Sora to 105.


X2
2008-10-24 3:46 PM
in reply to: #1762547

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New user
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Northern Ontario
Subject: RE: New Rider - Is all Shimano Drivetrain worth spending extra cash?

Thank you!  All of this helps :-)

 

2008-10-24 4:36 PM
in reply to: #1762547

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Master
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Cypress, CA
Subject: RE: New Rider - Is all Shimano Drivetrain worth spending extra cash?

In particular, look at the difference in the brake lever/shifters.  105 and higher have a small "paddle" that runs alongside the brake lever that you use to shift to smaller rings/cogs.  Sora has a thumb lever that does this.  I've never ridden Sora, but it seems like the thumb lever would be harder to use, especially in the drops.

Might also look at Tiagra, which is in between Sora & 105.  Same type of shift mechanism as 105, and it has a visual indicator on the lever of what gear you're in, which isn't really necessary but might be helpful.

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