Originally Posted by ThinLine

At least SRAM uses metal internals, most all of shimano is plastic. SRAM's new XX twist shift uses full metal internals and metal bearings of stainless steel. My sram force groups have magnesium paddle shifters even.
Advantage SRAM in the durability dept.
I am a mechanical design Eng. and looked into working for sram.....a Eng. there who works in Germany told me SRAM wanted to make a name for themselves in the rugged, duarbility and aesthetics end of their components. The quality of even their screws are all extremely high quality.