Good question. SRAM Apex certainly is not equal in quality or durability to the 105. I would venture Rival at the least and more likely Force, although it would seem to be a bridge between 105 and Ultegra. Shimano has been doing brifters for so long they have them squared away for durability as long as you stick to 105 or better. SRAM has yet to be proven. I do have SRAM on my mountain bike and it is perfect in every way thus far.