Shimano Sora FH-3300

Price Paid:  $0.00 at OEM

Favorite Ride:
Bainbridge to Bellevue...everyday

Bike Setup:
Fuji Finest steel

Summary:
I've got 8,500 dirty, rainy, very rough urban commuting miles on mine and it's still fine...gonna be interewsting to see just how far it goes

Strengths:
durable, dirt proof, cheap

Weaknesses:
might be heavy but what do you want for the price ?

Price Paid:  $0.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
anywhere on smooth roads

Bike Setup:
compact frame, Sora hubs, Ultegra double crankset, Ultegra Rear D.,

Summary:
For general riding the Soras are ok although not very smooth and cannot keep-up a good spin. I've recently bought myself a winter bike, a nice red Bianchi late 80's vintage in one of the used bike shops I sometimes visit. The wheels had the older spec 105's. Needless to say these old hubs puts the Sor-ass to shame. The spin up is very fluid and they seem to build-up so much momentum and keep it for a longtime. The Sor-ass can only dream of this performance. I'm kind of skeptical to go with the newer 105's b/c I don't know how the quality is compared to the vintage product. I may just have to try it though for a comparison.

Strengths:
cheap?

Weaknesses:
bottom feeder, not smooth,

Similar Products Used:
older 105's - vintage late 80's buttery smooth, spool's up and maintains velocity forever - when these get rough I'll definitely rebuild them!

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
Anytime it's not cold or snowing

Summary:
Let's just say you get what you pay for, it's durable and seems to roll fine but not as smooth as I would expect even from an entry level shimano.

Strengths:
Cost. Makes entry level bikes affordable.

Weaknesses:
Not very smooth roll.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano ultegra.