shimano or Sram??

crescent

pbt150 wrote:

PBT150, is that SRAM Apex fitted to your Allez in your signature photo? Did you replace a triple or double and, if so, how does it compare to the Sora? (Assume that was the original kit)

Cheers

It's Rival, with an FSA chainset. I replaced Sora 3300 double (and put that on t'other bike). I've used Apex briefly and it's difficult to tell the difference from Rival, apart from a few hundred grams' weight.

If Sora is well set up, it shifts gears very well and I use it every day. Is shifting better using SRAM? Yes - the Double Tap system is really good. I prefer using it, and it's much easier to use in the drops (although I can actually use the Sora button from the drops). Lever throws are shorter, and shifting feels more direct.

I'd think about why you're replacing the Sora if I were you. If you're planning on keeping the bike for a while and can see many years's use, make the change. If you're planning a new bike soon, keep the Sora and put the money in the bank, then buy your new bike with Rival.

I don't have a problem with Sora, it serves me well enough. I will be changing my bike in the next year or so one way or the other but I'm currently looking to buy new components for my Allez and then probably transfer them to a new frame in about 12-18 months and return the Allez to original spec for selling. That's the plan anyway, it changes by the day though :?

Cheers

geobuchan

Went with Campagnolo tried it out at LBS

Squillinossett

I moved from Rival too 6700.

Both have their merits. the Ultegra is, IMO a better built group set, with a nicer finish, and smoother shifts.

Rival has a far nicer leaver action though, feels quicker due too the short throw.

Avezius

I have 105 & Rival, In my opinion...

105 is slicker & smoother.
Rival is clunkier & more positive.

I think they are both really good & pretty comparable, but my personal preference is Rival because:

I like the double tap changing better.
I like the positive changes (105 is so slick than I'm not always positive it's changed or not!)
I like the look of them better.

Gazzaputt

I have Rival on my AL bike.

Super slick sure footed gear changing on the rear. The front mech is superb.

Brakes I have are Apex and they are just as good as the Force set I run on another bike.

As with any gruppo the setup being spot on is the key. Took me a while to refine this but have it on the money now and it's a pleasure to use.

Ran SRAM now for about 4 years in the early Force guise and now have a Red\Force and Rival\Apex setup on my bikes.

Cannot praise it enough and the only mishap was a broken Rival shift lever which was replaced under warranty.

LongIslandTom

I run a mixture of both SRAM Rival and Shimano Ultegra on my bike.

- SRAM Rival brakes
- SRAM Rival chainset
- SRAM Rival cassette

- Shimano Ultegra 6700 shifters
- Shimano Ultegra front derailleur
- Shimano Ultegra rear derailleur

- Chris King Bottom Bracket (SRAM-compatible version)

I like how easy it is to install or remove the SRAM Rival chainset-- Just one Allen hex key needed, and I like the low gear ratio I can get with the SRAM PG-1070 11-32T cassette. So those parts I went SRAM.

I like how the Ultegra shifters feel, so I went with Ultegra shifters and derailleurs (6700GS rear derailleur to work with the 32T SRAM cassette).

Originally I had an SRAM Rival bottom bracket, but it was a piece of crap that broke down after just 2 months. Replaced it with a Chris King Bottom Bracket and it was flawless.

I guess my drivetrain is an "Sramano" groupset! LOL

racingcondor

If you could have the smoothness and build quality of Shimano paired to Double Tap and the 'set it up and forget' that SRAM seems to have I'd buy it for everything.

In the mean time Double Tap and the ergonomics of SRAM have me sold. 105 for £300 is a stunning deal though so I'd buy that if I was looking for something below Force.