Beachgrad05

I damaged the carbon frame on my 2012 3.1 Apex and the replacement bike is a 2012 4.5

The drive train on the 4.5 differs and I liked the SRAM Apex on the 3.1 very much. I am getting back all components from the 3.1

Drive Train from 3.1
Shifters: SRAM Apex, 10 speed
Front derailleur: SRAM Apex, 34.9mm clamp
Rear derailleur: SRAM Apex
Crank: SRAM Apex, 50/34 (compact)
Cassette: SRAM PG-1050 11-32, 10 speed

Drive Train from 4.5

Shifters: Shimano 105 STI, 10 speed
Front derailleur: Shimano 105, braze-on
Rear derailleur: Shimano 105
Crank: Shimano R563, 50/39/30 (triple)
Cassette: Shimano Tiagra 12-30, 10 speed

Which would you go with and why?

uncrx2003

Don't know about Apex but I prefer Rival over 6600 ultegra. The hood on Rival is much better.

K&K_Dad

SRAM, all the time, because it doesn't suck

BikeMech

Sram. To me it has a crisper shift and you get lighter components for less money.

James1:17

easily 105. apex is sram's tiagra.

a1penguin

You like the Apex. Use it. Personally, I'm not a fan of double tap. 105 and Apex probably aren't that much different in terms of quality.

Mondo734

Go with the Apex since you know you like it. Or maybe sell the 105 and the Apex drive trains and upgrade to rival or force?

abstractform20

why not get the carbon frame repaired???

eddiepliers 

Sometimes it sucks chains...

IthaDan 

If you haven't ridden 105, ride it and make up your own mind. If you have ridden 105 and prefer Apex, but are asking for coolness factor in a groupthink kinda way, get over it and make up your own damn mind.

IFLUX23

This. I heard people like Double Tap, some people don't. I like Shimano type brifters better because I got used to that one first.

Andy Somnifac 

If I could get SRAM shifting with a Shimano hood, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

dissident

nothing wrong with my 105 5700 but my father's several years older ultegra has a crisper shift.. mine seems mushy and some amount of force needed to shift to bigger cogs, but it does the job. I've heard new, lubricating, and properly routing the cable housing can help with that. Never tried sram, can't justify spending the money on a groupset.

Beachgrad05

3.1 was less than 60 days old. Crash did away with Trek Warranty on frame. Repair with costs involved to strip, ship, repair and rebuild bike wasn't cost effective when for a bit more $, I could upgrade to 4.5 at a price I would be hard pressed to see again AND keep all components off 3.1 (which had 330 miles on it) that I can use to build up another bike later. Calfee would warranty the repair Sure but not rest of frame. If bike had been older with more wear, repair might have been the more attractive option.

I have not ridden 105 as the 3.1 was my first road bike since I sold my 83 Trek 500 in 1995. I plan on riding the bike with the 105 group before doing anything. Was curious what more experienced folks might do. I will do what I want based on riding the bike and comparing my experiences. I'm not partial to either group set as I lack experience to have preferences. I do like the look of the Apex but more important to me is ease and comfort in actual use.

PhotoJoe 

I think both are solid groups. There is a definite difference in the way they work and how they feel in your hand. I know you are going to go ride a 105 bike, but I'll bet you'll answer your own question once you do.

IthaDan 

Think of it this way: Asking about group sets is like asking for saddle recommendations, it's a very personal decision, nobody but you will know what you like best.

Beachgrad05

Had not thought of it in that manner. Makes sense.