Choosing a groupset

FSR_XC

I'm sure some of this probably gets asked a lot.

I am looking to buy a new bike and I'm torn between getting SRAM Rival or Shimano 105 groupsets.

I have been using 105 for 3 years now and have no problems with it.

However I have switched to SRAM on my MTB and find it more positive and needing less maintenance.

Are SRAM road gears the same?

Which offers the best value?

What are the advantages of each?

rc856

Man, that gets asked a lot!!!
Got an LBS you can go to for a test ride?
I'm sure they both work as well as each other so it's what suits you.
I prefer the ergonomics of the Campag shifters etc.

PeterBL

Exactly, look at ergonomics and see what you prefer. New 105 is also changed a bit from yours.

dawebbo

I've used all three manufacturers and find there's not a major difference in terms of performance or maintenance. Imo the only notable differences are: ergonomics, appearance and weight. Given you're looking at the lower tier, I don't think weight is a big consideration, so it's really down to which looks and feels nicer to you. My personal preference at that price range would be centaur > 105 > rival.

rogerthecat

Running all 3, IMO SRAM every day of the week. I could give reasons but there’s no point as it's down to you. All I will say is that SRAM is more Efficient IMO.

dawebbo

rogerthecat wrote:

Running all 3, IMO SRAM every day of the week. I could give reasons but there’s no point as it's down to you. All I will say is that SRAM is more Efficient IMO.

Just curious - in what way do you think it is more efficient?

rogerthecat

Camp I have to move to change to a smaller cog, as the front of the hood is too far past the shifter button.

Shim. Moving the full break lever to move to a larger cog.

SRAM all that moves are my fingers.

That said Camps transition sounds better than SRAM, (Veloce - Force).

"Awaiting incoming"

danowat

Having the single lever on the SRAM makes more sense (to me) than having to move the whole brake lever on Shimano, also, a properly setup SRAM is much quicker and positive on the changes than Shimano.

Ergonomics are better on Shimano, hoods nicer to hold, plus its easier to trim and feather on shimano.

6 of one and half a dozen of them other IMO, theres no real winner (although SRAM is lighter and I prefer the "carbon" levers on my rival setup)

dawebbo

Fair points.

Maybe I have long thumbs, but don't experience that issue with the campag shifters, and I find thumb shifting feels a bit more intuitive when you're sitting up a bit. That said I prefer the sram and shimano when on the drops.

I like the fact that you move the lever on shimano as it's easy to downshift and break at the same time - I don't think flicking the lever is anymore effort than a push on the sram.

I'd happily ride with any of the 3. Only thing I would say is an italian frame should have an italian groupset :-)

Lillywhite

RC856 wrote:

I prefer the ergonomics of the Campag shifters etc.

+1. The Athena Carbon 11 speed is a good group set that won't break the bank.

FSR_XC

Thanks for the responses.

I'm going to try & get a test of both, but I swaying more towards the SRAM at the moment.

peter101cycle

Never ridden with Campag but I much prefer Sram to Shimano.....the changes are quicker and I have also noticed that not so much maintenance is needed to keep the gears in trim.