SRAM vs Shimano

[madcow10s]

I'm somewhat new to cycling but would consider myself a budding enthusiast. Currently, I have a Specialized Dolce, which has pretty entry-level shimano components. I will be upgrading my ride to Specialized Ruby Pro, and my LBS is offering the Ruby Pro with Shimano Dura-Ace components or SRAM Red components.

I tested them out recently, and they both have very different feel to them. I'm looking for opinions about what people think. Any difference in reliability?

[kermit]

I am strictly a shimano gal. I think components wise, dura-ace and red are equally great but I've heard they shift quite differently. I have a friend that switched to red from DA and absolutely hated it. Try both and see what is comfy for you. It's all personal preference in my opinion.

[OakLeaf]

One thing to be aware of is that when Shimano brifters wear out, you either have to find the parts (which last I checked meant ordering them from Europe) and rebuild them yourself, or buy new one$$.

Campy brifters are reportedly easy to rebuild and many shops will do it. I have no idea about SRAM. But you might ask.

[AMP]

When shopping for my new bike I also had to make your choice between the Shimano Dura Ace and SRAM. I chose SRAM and am competely happy. I like that the shifter is dedicated; in other words, it's not part of the brake lever. Also the hoods fit my relatively smaller hands better especially when adjusted for reach. Furthermore, they shift surely and accurately. And lastly the price is better. but even at the same price, I would have chosen SRAM.

[aicabsolut]

Actually, shimano shifters are not serviceable (not really...i mean, you can try to do it yourself but most shops won't touch them b/c you can't get replacement parts or send them to shimano for repair--they must be replaced).

Compared to your low end shimano components, you really can't go wrong if your choices now are DA or sram. Both are great. And the shape of new DA is similar to sram (so good for small hands). Red shifters are adjustable though if your hands are on the smaller side.

The biggest difference is the throw. However, DA (new and old) doesn't take as much leverage to throw the big lever than low level shimano. You do still need to move the large lever, which isn't an issue with sram. One thing some people like about sram is the ability to shift to larger cogs 2 at a time (by holding down the lever). One thing I like about shimano is the ability to shift to smaller cogs 2 at a time (takes 2 clicks but don't have to pedal in between). This allows me to stop in an easy gear but get up to speed quickly once I get going again b/c stopping in a heavy gear is difficult for me for a few reasons (I have a bad ankle).

[MartianDestiny]

Entirely personal preference.

I HATE SRAM, cannot stand the shifting mechanism, does not work with my hands. But that really should have no bearing on your decision; just as many people hate Shimano.

As you said, they are both different feeling, so just pick the feeling you like more.

[OakLeaf]

Actually, shimano shifters are not serviceable (not really...i mean, you can try to do it yourself but most shops won't touch them b/c you can't get replacement parts or send them to shimano for repair--they must be replaced).

Shimano's website has exploded diagrams and part numbers for every part of their brifters as well as the spring installation tool. I understand it's not economical for shops to service them - that's why I said a person would have to do it herself. The parts are still available from the UK here. Oddly, the spring installation tool is now available from several places in the USA, but the springs themselves have to be ordered from overseas. (I'm told the Shimano rep for the US Southeast services brifters, but I haven't confirmed that.)

None of which answers whether US shops will service SRAM brifters or not...

[oz rider]

Both are good so as others have said, try both if you can. For me, SRAM all the way - smaller hoods (Shim is like riding bullhorns to me), lovely action and I prefer the aesthetics too.

[madcow10s]

Thanks for the advice. I went out and tested several different bikes (Specialized, Felt, Colnago, and Wilier) at my lbs. I agree that it is all about personal preference. These are my initial thoughts:

SRAM red - The hoods felt very comfortable for my hands. It seemed like there was less of reach to the lever. It took me a few minutes to catch on to the double tap system but it wasn't too hard. I did have to really keep track of what gear I was end though. And for some reason I had a difficult time shifting from the large gear to the smaller gear (in the front). Anyone else have this issue? The shifting wasn't as smooth as Shimano, but it was very reliable.

Shimano DA - Very smooth and quiet. The shifters felt much larger than SRAM and while I did have to reach for the leavers, it wasn't uncomfortable. I think that shifting with Shimano is a little more intuitive.

And just for fun, I tested a bike with Campy shifters. All things being equal, I think that I have fallen in love with Campangolo. Smooth, but not undetectable (I like to have a little feedback). Lots of fun.