Shinano 105 or SRAM Apex?

[SquareDaff]

I've started looking at new bikes as part of my plan to upgrade my "let's see if I can bet back into cycling and stick at it" bike of around £300 to something higher quality. Most of the bikes in my budget (£1-1.5k) seem to come with either Shimano 105 or SRAM Apex equipment. What are peoples experiences with these? Is one better than the other? Does anybody ride both and have a preference?

 

[italiafirenze]

I have SRAM on one of my bikes. It's very good. I've ridden 105 briefly. I would choose Apex over 105 every time.

I prefer the shifting method, the feel of the shifting and I've been very pleased with the quality of the components.

The Apex group can offer some very wide ranging ratios too, from 11 teeth up to 32 teeth on the long cage. It was used in this year's Giro D'Italia by some pros for climbing Etna.

 

[BSRU]

I asked the same question a few months ago, try looking at this thread.

SRAM APEX or Shimano 105

 

[SquareDaff]

Cheers for the link....looking now!

 

[SquareDaff]

So in summary, most people that have used SRAM Apex prefer it to Shimano 105?

 

[Trickydicky]

So in summary, most people that have used SRAM Apex prefer it to Shimano 105?

SHould be able to get the slightly better SRAM Rival group set on carbon for 1600 IIRC.