Shimano Sora RD-3300-SS/GS

Price Paid:  $0.00 at came with the bike

Favorite Ride:
Gatineau Park up Fortune Rd.

Bike Setup:
2001 Schwinn Fastback + a few other shiny's

Summary:
The derailleur works really well if you tune it properly (they are a less forgiving than upper models). I find it shifted cleanly and precisely after i replaced the stock Shimano chain. No complaints except for the enormous weight, i've used stuff from the 80's that were lighter, mind you they didn't shift nearly as nice.

Strengths:
Clean precise shifting. From what i gather, its stupid cheap. It's shiney...

Weaknesses:
It is as light as a brick (if you are weight concerned). The sticker is cheap and peels off (it looks better all shiny anyways).

Similar Products Used:
Older Sun stuff, Shimano Deore LX, test road a bike with Campy Mirage.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I bought a GT that came with Sora components. I also have a mountain bike which has a mixture of XT/XTR and I was used to smooth shifting without the constant need for readjustemnt. The Sora rear derailleur is crap. Flexes too much when you are standing (touched the spokes) and I don't want to deal with the constant readjustment. Upgraded to Ultegra.

Strengths:
cheap

Weaknesses:
too much flex, heavy, not very precise

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $600.00 at The Cycle Shoppe (Toronto)

Bike Setup:
Raleigh Grand Prix stock with clipless pedals

Summary:
Dont buy this derailler unless you are a toothpick-legged non-hill rider.

Beware of The Cycle Shoppe in Toronto they dont care, charge like a wounded bull and do a crap half arsed job of everything. They wont spent the time with you to set up you bike so your left guessing.

Strengths:
Nice and quite when its working (which isnt very often)

Weaknesses:
The derailler is crap! Its brocken three times at the tab now which causes a whole lot of damage... bent Derailler, bent wheel, brocken chain and scratched frame.

When its not brocken it doesnt work, constantly needing alignment adjustments and ghost shifting when you put the power down.

Similar Products Used:
105, LX, XT, XTR

Favorite Ride:
somthing fast

Bike Setup:
still a stock trek 1000, except for the seat but that doesn't have to do with sh*t...

Summary:
This is great but i plan on upgrading to the ultegra. i would like to get into racing so i need to get beter componets but first i need some money. if you are an entry level rider this will work great! but be prepared to upgrade in 6 months or so.

Strengths:
yo yo yo check it out... this came stock on my trek and has worked flawlessly under light loads. i took a 450 mile trip across eastern oklahoma which has a whole lot of hills... it worked great. i can't complain

Weaknesses:
if you are puting some pressure on it it likes to say no and wont go...

Similar Products Used:
first road bike

Favorite Ride:
norwattuck rail trail

Bike Setup:
2001 Giant OCR 2 all stock except for the seat(changed to a Selle Atalia flite)and I changed the pedals to shimano 515 clipless.

Summary:
The Shimano Sora rear deraillur is inexpensive and works well,however, you do have to keep it clean and lubed properly,it,s weight is hefty and the plastic lower body pivot housing leaves me wondering just how long this unit will last,when it dies I will be upgrading to 105,but for now it works great, if you are a fitness rider the Sora is more than adequate,if you plan to race,then upgrade to Ultegra.

Strengths:
It,s cheap price,and really good performance,as long as it is kept clean and lubed.This deraillur is very adequate for recreational/daily fitness riding.

Weaknesses:
cheap sticker(peels off easily) and plastic lower body pivot gives a cheap appearance. It,s hefty weight.

Similar Products Used:
Suntour,Shimano Acera,Lx,Stx,XT. Old Simplex and Huret deraillurs,(prestige,Alvit).