I've ridden both SRAM and Shimano on MTBs and they work well in the midrange, but SRAM has the high-end covered easily. For road bikes I have a lot less experience, but I tried both and talked to the best folks at each LBS. I like the SRAM shift/brake lever better. If you want a wide-ratio cassette, SRAM Apex has an advantage. (Don't quote me, but I think Apex can do 34T, 105 only 28ish.)

Then I googled..

Anyway, it seems to me that SRAM Apex is intended to compete with Shimano 105, judging by price and Big 4 bikes that offer both brands.. but in (model year) 2010 Apex a lot of people felt it was significantly better. In 2011 Shimano updated 105 and most reviews still like Apex better. Also in 2011 SRAM updated Rival, and that's why it is an especially strong value now.

Ride Rival back-to-back with Force and Ultegra and see what you think.


Also I agree that putting a new gruppo (and wheels) on a very old bike may not be a great idea. You can get a complete bike for far less than piecing one together.