Finished for 2012 in glossy Mica Black, Shimano’s entry-level Sora road groupset gets an overhaul with the addition of new cassette gearing options, dedicated cyclo-cross and “racing” chainsets, re-engineered dual-control brake/shift levers compatible with several different brake caliper types and shifters suitable for flat handlebars.
Sticking with 9 sprockets, Sora now adds to the existing six options lower-geared 12-30t and 11-30t cassettes to go with the new 53/39 racing-style and 46/34 ‘cross chainsets. The latter is an option on the Sora 3500 “compact” 110mm BCD crankset spider. All Sora 3500 chainsets get SG-X Hyperdrive chainrings for improved shifting.
The redesigned dual control levers adopt the twin co-axial levers seen on Shimano’s higher-end models and lose the small cable release thumb lever that has been a feature of Sora since its inception. A “mode converter” allows them to work not only with Sora 3500’s dual-pivot calipers and the firm’s roller hub brakes mechanical road disc calipers but with compact V-brakes and even mechanical mtb calipers.
The groupset will be available in late 2012
