HOBOOTLEG EASY TRAVEL – SHIMANO SORA STI 3X9 SPEED

This road-focused speed score is primarily about smooth-surface momentum and top-end efficiency. Key drivers include wider mixed-surface tires that add some drag, aerodynamics that help it hold speed once you're rolling, a more budget-friendly drivetrain that focuses on value, and a more tucked riding position that cuts wind resistance.

How it climbs: 2.2/10. Within Road bikes, it lands below average. On climbs, the lowest gear feels tall. Your easiest gear lands around 31.0 gear inches. In its peer group, it lands around the easier ~30% for low-gear climbing. Think of “gear inches” like a difficulty score for your easiest gear: lower = more spin-friendly on climbs. A good middle-ground if you want mixed routes that include some hills. Specs can vary by size and build, and some manufacturer details aren’t always published, so treat this as a strong guide rather than a guarantee.

Coming in at 4.2/10 on aero, given a fairly neutral posture, it prioritizes confidence and control over drag reduction with comfort and composure as the trade-off. What that means on the road is: it’s more about stability and everyday comfort than cutting through the wind. The touring category also hints at the intent behind the design. The fit looks fairly neutral, so aerodynamics depends more on the overall design and components than on an extreme position. Not every brand publishes the same detail, so this leans on the clearest available specs. In real riding, it usually feels steady and comfortable, with less advantage on open flats or into a headwind.

Balanced fit - a versatile position for long rides and faster efforts. That's driven by the bar sits about 64 mm below the saddle (a moderate drop), and you'll be stretched forward about 559 mm in total (long). Estimated lean is about 32 degrees. Front-end spacers are estimated around 25 mm.

In Road, That is why it is in the Adjustable bucket. What drives the fit flexibility here: Separate bar and stem components keep fit changes practical. Another point: Less routing complexity makes swaps and adjustments more practical. In practice, it is about how easy fit changes are with normal parts and service work.

Ride comfort is 5.5/10 — on a real ride it feels moderately comfortable. So it’s tagged Balanced overall. It’s running about 35 mm tires on 700c wheels, and extra tire volume helps mute vibration and small bumps on chipseal and broken pavement. The posture is neutral (posture 5/10, torso ~32°), which balances comfort and responsiveness pretty well.

In simple terms, it comes out as ‘about right’ for the category. The value score is 1–10. Higher means better value for money; lower means the price is high for what you get. Uses MSRP as a baseline; real-world prices can be lower (discounts can change the value). On the spec estimate, the price is close to what we’d expect for a comparable build. Among comparable bikes, it sits around the middle on price (cheaper than about 55% of listings). Quick reference: €1.680 listed versus about €1.601 for a comparable build. Bottom line: it’s a normal deal — not amazing, not terrible.

This setup works well when your ride switches between tarmac and easy unpaved sections. Tires around 35 mm are a good middle ground for varied surfaces. Even though it’s tagged Touring, the spec pushes it toward All Road.