I know the Shimano vs SRAM debate is long running but I have a slightly different question. I'm a "serious recreational" rider (and commuter) ready to step up from a Specialized Sequoia with a Sora drivetrain. I had never ridden SRAM but on paper thought I would like Double Tap (bikes in my price range are typically only Apex). However, after some test rides, I thought the new 105 was noticeably smoother and more precise shifting. However, I only rode one bike with SRAM at all.

Now I'm wondering if there is enough variation in adjustment that maybe it wasn't a fair comparison, and I should give SRAM another shot (fortunately I didn't get the wallet out just yet). So after a few rides, I perceived a major difference between SRAM and Shimano that maybe wasn't design related but adjustment?

I personally see a bigger difference in drivetrains than between bike models, once fit is dialed in, but that's just my novice observation.

Thoughts? Especially from those who have ridden both.

shimano is smoother as you noticed but sram is more precise and shifts way better under load. after that its really up to you do you think the sram shifters are more comfortable or shimano? do you like double tap with one lever or shimano with 2? for me the choice was easy and i went with SRAM but other feel differently. really its the same thing you hear on every other thread about sram vs shimano

My two cents: At the mid and high levels of each range, they all work extremely well provided they are properly adjusted. The biggest thing may be which brand's levers feel most comfortable to you. I have a Campy bike (Centaur/Chorus 10-speed mix); 2 Shimano bikes (DA/Ult/105 9-speed mix); and a SRAM bike (Red 10-speed).

Campy: I love the micro-adjustable FD, which means that chain rub is never an issue. I hate that the cassettes are ridiculously expensive, and I've never gotten used to the thumbshifter.

Shimano: robust, always works, but the levers have never felt comfortable in my hands

SRAM: my new favorite: easy to set up, shifts precisely, but the double-tap takes some getting used to.

Give it another shot on a different bike and maybe from a different shop. I agree with the above that a well set up Sram bike should be able to shift very precisely although often not as smoothly as shimano. You still may prefer the shimano, but it doesn't sound like you got a fair comparison.

Not just mid to high levels, my beater with Sora and Tiagra shifts perfectly under all situations.