SRAM Force or Ultegra SL?

rohloff-rich

I'm currently planning a project bike based on a lush ti frame and carbon forks that I've managed to acquire (just as soon as the money clears to pay for it at least!). One thing I'm struggling with is groupset choice...

I've pretty much always used Shimano so I know it works, and the new Ultegra SL kit looks great - at £350 for the groupset from Merlin it's also a great price...

... but I can't ignore the 'underdog' SRAM Force option - it's a bit different, looks awesome and just generally appeals to me, despite being circa £600.

Which would you recommend and why?

At the moment SRAM is winning it for me, even if it does mean the wheels I've been offered will be VERY tight on the budget!

redddraggon

How come you're missing out the best groupset manufacturer?

dcj

I would go for Ultegra SL in a flash and spend the balance on better wheels.

Not because SRAM is no good but simply Ultegra is already fantastic quality and because it pays to get the best wheels you can afford and £250 extra on wheels will buy a really noticeable improvement.

rohloff-rich

redddraggon wrote:

How come you're missing out the best groupset manufacturer?

I'm not

I know where you're coming from, but I just don't fancy Campag, regardless of how good it might be :P

cyclingvet

I've got SRAM Force crankset and rear mech with Rival brakes and shifters on my Enigma Esprit . The carbon on the Force looks good against the bare titanium. I think ultegra SL would look naff against the bare titanium. Having another bike set up with Ultegra I do prefer the double tap gear change that SRAM offers. Cables look neater also as the gear cables are wrapped under the bar tape.

JC.152

I would say Ultegra SL as in the reviews they say its almost as good as the current Dura Ace, only problem might be the chainset which being grey might get scuffed from shoes, which puts some people off.

rohloff-rich

Just to clarify for me, what would be the Campag equivalent of Ultegra or Force?

redddraggon

rohloff-rich wrote:

Just to clarify for me, what would be the Campag equivalent of Ultegra or Force?

Ultegra is roughly Centaur

Force is roughly Chorus