1NatsFan

I am in the process of having a new bike built (A Seven Resolute SLX, steel road bike) and I need to decide between the Shimano Ultegra or the SRAM Force group sets.

What better wealth of knowledge to pose the question than to those who have been around a while and understand that, even with new technology, it's all about performance not style points.

So if any of you have an opinion as to which choice would be better, I would appreciate hearing it.

Thanks

jdon

I have used Force, Rival, Red and 105. I just recently built up a Ti bike with Ultegra 6700 so only have about 600 miles on it. Thus far, I am very impressed with the smooth shifts. I prefer the double levers of Shimano to the double tap of Sram, but the Sram shift is quick, positive and accurate. It has taken constant tweeking to get the Ultegra just right and the Sram bikes require very little.

Next time I upgrade the bike, it will be back to Red. Just my preference though.

billydonn

I have bikes with Rival and Ultegra 6600 and 6510 and like SRAM and Shimano equally. I favor SRAM brakesets though, especially the newer Force and Red but even the Rival is good. Assuming you are sure a tripple is not in your future, I recommend you take test rides and pick the one you like. I understand the new 6700 is not perfectly 100% backward compatible.

Lonewolf48

I have tried Dura-Ace, Ultegra, Ultegra SL, Ultegra 6700, Shimano 105, SRAM Red and Force. They are all terrific! SRAM Red and Dura-Ace weigh a little less and work great. The new Ultegra 6700 works every bit as good as the D-A. I would try both and see which one is more comfortable because the hood design is different and then pick the best gruppo I could afford. It is a fun decision to have to make, though if I was picking a gruppo for a custom Seven it would be SRAM Red or Dura-Ace 8700. Good luck.

Metric Man

I've run Ultegra, 105 and Force...currently on the SRAM Force and would do it again. I just like it better.

Kurt Erlenbach

I don't have an opinion on the Ultegra v. Force issue, but I do have a question for the OP: Are you actually a Nats fan? They just finished up spring training here and, man, are they bad. I grew up an Indians fan, so I know bad baseball. You know what they say about Washington: First in war, first in peace, last in the National League.

Robert Foster

I find Shimano smoother and SRAM more precise. I do like the SRAM 11-28 rear cassette however. If I do another build and I didn’t have either in the parts box I would buy Force rather than Ultegra.

1NatsFan

Thanks for all the responses so far.

Yes, I am a very patient man. I am actually a Nats fan, although I did give up my season tickets after their first year of 100+ losses. But it was more fun to watch them lose last year as they at least had some offense.

But back to the original subject, I think I'm going to have to test ride them again to get a feel.

Mr. Foster, I'm not sure what you mean by "Shimano smoother and SRAM more precise." I've always felt if a bike was precise, the shifting tended to be smooth. If it wasn't smooth, it wasn't very precise. What am I missing?

jdon

Shimano shifts like a1990's Camry. Sram like a 1980's Mercedes 300.

'47

Interesting that nowhere here is Campy mentioned.

stapfam

Only ever used Shimano and never had a problem with it- but the higher up the spec you go- the better/ lighter/ smoother it feels.

Dare say it would be the same with Sram or Campy.

My LBS is into Campy or Shimano- but they do carry better stock of Shimano. I can go there and get any spare from the shimano range that I could possibly want- wheras I might have to wait for a Campy F.D. in the size I want. So what does your LBS Carry?

HAMMER MAN

after years of running D/A/ my new felt I purchased about 6 weeks ago I put Ultegra 6700 on the felt. Personally I find it as quick, percise, and accurate as D/A. or sram.. more or less a personal preference I guess and how much you want to spend.

khackney

I haven't ridden the newest versions of Ultegra but I do have the 2010 Force group on my Ridley. Force requires much less fiddling to get it dialed in. Shifts are very quick with a very mechanical feel. My older Ultegra feels less precise to me although it works fine as well. I also have the 11/28 which I like a lot with a compact for hilly terrain. Force is also lighter than the Shimano groups if that matters to you. I thought about the double-tap shifting but I’ve found that I like it a lot. I’ve got groups from all of the three main players with one being SuperRecord-11. If I built up another bike it would be SRAM.

Rick@OCRR

I have Ultegra on my Calfee and SRAM Force on my Titanium GT and while both work well, if I had to pick for a new bike I would go with SRAM.

The next bike I build up will be equipped with SRAM Red. Red didn't exist when I built up the GT.

Rick / OCRR

1NatsFan

I decided on Ultegra because the shifting felt more intuitive to me, and during test rides I mis-shifted more with the SRAM.

Thanks for all of the feedback.

Rick@OCRR

Yes NatsFan, There is a learning curve to shifting SRAM, esp. if your brain is already programed to Shimano or Campagnolo. Once you get used to it, no problem,

Rick / OCRR