Build a better bike - SRAM Vs Shimano

Might be a price drop on Campag now the new stuff is coming on line for 2014.

I know it's not SRAM or Shimano like you asked, but it just won the Giro and is lighter than the Shimano.

I've used all three at the lower end and also built up bikes with them. I've only one 11-spd, so my comments refer to 10-speed groups. First - much of a sameness - they all work fine for a non-racer like me. 105 is my least-favourite Shimano group. It's hard to install the shifters (compared to Tiagra, which actually shifts better IMHO). Ultegra is nice. I've not been able to afford DA.

Sram's Apex, Rival and Force seem almost identical. Looking at RDs side-by-side you can see slight differences but not like comparing a Tiagra RD to Ultegra. I would say Apex is just fine (and handles large cassette spreads standard, which is important to me). SRAM shifters, though, are made from gold and twice the price of a Shimano equivalent. I know, I broke one (Rival). I like SRAM on a working bike - winter, touring, commuter and certainly anything flat bar.

I've only built one bike with Campy, using Veloce with the WTF hard-to-remove left side crank. Nice looking but not user friendly. Campy mechs and chainsets look classy, but the shifters seem primitive to me. I like alloy Campy for a classic frame update.

For the money, Tiagra is the best deal for me. I actually like the look of the exposed shift cables. You can use a 105 RD (often available cheap separately). The only problem is those dorky shift indicators. I wish Shimano would make a 10-speed shifter without them - something like their generic trade-only offerings. You can often buy an entire Tiagra groupset in the UK for just over £200

What's the price of groupsets down in aus?

I've ridden all three and have SRAM on four of my bikes (three of which are drop bar Red/Force). It's my favourite for ergonomics, function and weight. I have no issues with excessive fettling - pretty much fit and forget.

The only shifter failures I have had in 20 years have been Shimano - 1x 105 left and 2x Deore (left and right).

I rather SRAM to Shim, have had no mechanicals with either to be honest just rather the shifting and doubletap. If I can justify it my workhorse will be SRAM'd this winter [replacing Shim]

I now prefer SRAM Red over Dura Ace. I'd say that it takes longer to set SRAM up but it seems to have remained set up for longer.

My rule is SRAM for anything with a flat bar, Shimano for drop bars, but thats my rule...its mine and no one is allowed to have it

SRAM does not need any more TLC than Shimano, so no fear on that either. But if it helps, you can use my rule

see .... you can't have gruppo !

Shimano - Groupsan
SRAM - GroupBro
Campag - Gruppo

Anyway seriously ... Having ridden all 3 I'd go for Shimano as you'll be able to
get it looked at in most if not all bike shops should it need attention, which is
defo not the case with Campag. I've had 3 SRAM setups all of which have had
problems within a fairly short period of time - currently running Chorus which
is (so far) flawless !!