SRAM or shamano gears

[Kevin ADDERLEY]

Are these much if a muchness? Would you decide a complete different bike or get a new bike with different gear set if not the ones you wanted

 

[vickster]

SRAM

BUT you need to test ride and decide which YOU prefer

 

[slowmotion]

I'd try and get the gear ratios that you want. If that means a different manufacturer, so be it. Also, choose the shifting action that you like. Personally, I've become a big fan of Campagnolo thumb shifters and much prefer them to Shimano 105s.

 

[MikeW-71]

All 3 of the big brands work equally well, but finding SRAM on any of the big manufacturers bikes is now very rare, as it tends to be more expensive than Shimano.

I looked at the ratios available more than anything else, but they have all become equal in that respect now anyway. I actually tried to buy a SRAM equipped Defy Composite, but there were none left in my size.

 

[Hacienda71]

Love my Sram and don't mind my Shimano either. They both do the same job. Some people have strong preferences but ultimately it is down to which you prefer using.

 

[stevey]

In the same position had 105 on my dolan now for my new bike I am looking at either 11 speed 105 or sram rival 11 speed on what will more than likely be a cannondale.

 

[Kestevan]

Mrs Kes prefers SRAM because she has small hands - the hoods are thinner and the levers more adjustable... oh and she can actually brake from the hoods which she can't with Shimano.
Conversely I've got hands like shovels.... and much prefer the SRAM shifters too.

 

[cityfan247]

personal choice but i much prefer SRAM. But ultimately SRAM Shimano and Compag all do the job well.

As a previous poster has said SRAM is not nearly as widely available on the big brand bikes as the other 2. It surprises me a bit as when SRAM ventured into the road bike market (more recently than the others) i thought they would take off. I really like SRAM to the point that i am looking for a new main bike and am only considering those with SRAM groupsets

 

[cyberknight]

Campag

 

[vickster]

I wouldn't confuse the OP further

 

[ayceejay]

The big difference is the method of down shifting and you should try both before you decide.

 

[slowmotion]

Mrs Kes prefers SRAM because she has small hands - the hoods are thinner and the levers more adjustable... oh and she can actually brake from the hoods which she can't with Shimano.
Conversely I've got hands like shovels.... and much prefer the SRAM shifters too.

Good point. The size and shape of the hoods can make a huge difference to the feel and comfort of the bike. The Campag Veloce ones are tiny in comparison to Shimano 105s, and even though I have pretty big hands, I find the small hoods far more to my liking.