Originally Posted by
spectastic
Right now, I'm leaning towards getting Apex over 105 because it has a more natural grip. However, 105 is in theory more durable because shimano apparently went the distance in quality control, while some believe that sram's super light weight advantage over 105 is a cause for concern, and that it lacks finesse in comparison to shimano and campy.[/COLOR]
Although Shimano hardly rest on their laurels (Campy might a little), you've gotta hand it to SRAM. These guys came from basically nowhere to deliver kick-arse gruppos that knocked the big two for a loop in terms of price to weight, albeit with a few rough edges. Given the advantage Shimano and Campy have over SRAM in terms of established manufacturing tech and decades of engineering expertise, IMO SRAM punch way above their weight.
So considering the big picture, I'd say SRAM are doing the most to deserve your money. Not so much in terms of what you take home right now, but most definitely in terms of what they'll spend it on and come up with in future...
And if I was a Yank, it'd be a no-brainer. Wish I could buy an Aussie gruppo...