OHrider

I am torn between which groupset to buy for a road bike frameset I am building. I want a black or dark grey crank and brakes for the bike so I have it narrowed down to three
1. Ultegra 6700 G 10 speed 2012
2. SRAM Force 10 speed 2013
3, Ultegra 6800 11-speed 2014

They are all relatively close in weight and price with the Ultegra 6700 being the cheapest. I am looking for some feedback from more experienced riders as my only experience is with Shimano 9-speed and 7900 Dura Ace.

I like that the 6800 can run both std and compact chain rings, they also are supposed to have a new ergonomically designed shifter. I can't find to many reviews or opinions on it online on how it performs. I was happy with 9-speeds but can see how closer gearing would be nice on the 11-speed.

I dont think I will find any surprises with the 6700 and I can easily swap rims with my tri bike without having to swap cassettes, and its the cheapest.

I never owned a bike with SRAM but like the looks and it is the lightest of the three.

I have found all three online in the crank size I need for $830-$900.

Any input or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks

seymour1910

I see this turning into a SRAM vs Shimano thread....my vote is to just go with 6700 as it's the cheapest and will perform as well as the others.

canam73

Have you ridden SRAM? I'd suggest getting a test ride on each if you are concerned about shifter shape.

gilaasepeda

I go for 6800 11 spd since they improving ergo on hood and for long term use for future maintenance

Dunbar

And because it's supposed to shift much better than the 6700 Ultegra.

caloso

Red.

There. I said it.

dudemanppl

I personally think 6700 ergonomics are complete crap, so I would rule that out. Force is nice and clicky and if you have a BB30/PF30 frame then go for that, but if not 6800 is nicer. I've run 5700 105, 7900 Dura Ace, and 2012 Red, and shifting is basically all the same so its down to ergonomics at the point and since you're probably going to spend most of your time on the hoods find a shape that fits your hand.

Campag4life

Refreshing to read a post on the 41 where a member actually understands groupsets. Spot on dude.
OP...6700 was a huge disappointment from Shimano...a clone of DA 7900 which is the same thing.
6800 and revised Force for 2013 are new designs and both excellent. 6800 is vastly improved over 6700 in everyway...especially ergonomics.
Same with new Force. No comparison with shifter ergos. As to Sram versus Shimano, this will be your call. Some prefer double tap to a pivoting brake lever as with Shimano. I personally prefer Campy.
Seriously, either 6800 or new Force are great. Don't even consider 6700.

PiLigand

Yeah, this is probably true. [Almost] everyone is going to suggest what they ride themselves. That being said, I would suggest Force for several reasons. I like the shape of the hoods better than shimano, doubletap and rigid brake levers keep you from accidentally engaging the brakes, reliable tell-tale 'click' sound that's hard to miss.

Still, it's a super toss-up. I don't see that 11th speed being all too noticeable for anyone not looking at DA or Red, but then I've never used one. Best to determine first if you like SRAM or shimano actions better, then determine how much you want to spend.

It does seem to me - from when I did the same researcha few months back - that a lot of people go from Shimano to SRAM, but I've not heard of many switching from SRAM to Shimano.(Anyone feel free to call me on that if you don't think it's accurate. It's just what I've noticed.)

topflightpro

Whatever you do, buy 11-speed.

The market is going in that direction. If you are buying a new groupset now, there is really no reason to buy 10-speed - assuming you have wheels that work with 11-speed.

sced

Unless you are pointlessly finicky, it's not gonna matter. They'll all get the job done equally well.

I'm not fond of SRAM shifting just because it's a bit clunky in noise and feel relative to Campy and Shimano.

OHrider

That is a concern of mine are the Hubs different? I have 2010 Zipp 404's on my Tri bike I am planning to use on the new road bike. It has a 7900 Dura Ace cassette now. I was ASSuming the new 11-speed shimano cassette would fit the 10-speed hub???

I was also going to swap wheels back and forth for now and was planning to look for an 808/sub 9 set up for the tri bike.

The only reason I'm considering the 6700 over the SRAM Force or 6800 is price. I planned this build is on the cheap, I bought a brand new Carbon Javelin frameset off Ebay for $300.
https://www.javbike.com/2011/09/10/amarone-sl/

It is an English thread BB why would SRAM be better with BB30?

Also, if I go SRAM I may have to get it with a 172.5mm crank if I want to get it for $900 to my door. I have been riding 170mm cranks, I'm 5'7" and the frameset is the 52cm. Will the larger crank arms make a difference?

My tri bike is a Quintana Roo CD0.1 and almost 19# with gear, has a 11-23 cassette and 53/39 crank. My plan for the Road bike is to shave a bunch of wt run a compact crank and 11-25 cassette. I live in NE Ohio and this would a better setup for training and local rides. I have my first Century ride coming up and would like to use the new bike.

Thanks for all the advice.

ttusomeone

Like others have said go ride SRAM first to see if you'd like it. Next question is do you have an existing wheelset that you want to use that's not 11spd compatible? If not, then I'd make my decision between SRAM and 11spd Shimano - and that's a personal preference thing. I have SRAM Red on my road bike and recently got a cross bike with Ultegra (my first bike with a higher end Shimano) and like both equally. I actually like the Ultegra better than I expected so when it comes time to replace groupset on my road bike it's going to be a tough decision. Good luck!

CenturionIM

The red crank, which is black/dark grey/red, looks **** cool.

Adrianinkc

6800 all the way

dudemanppl

Nope, not compatible. You might be able to dremel a bit of the freehub body, but I don't recommend anything....

Oh boy that frame looks like its going to explode, good luck with life.

SRAM has native BB30 cranks, Shimano would require adapters which are a slight pain in the ass.

I don't personally feel that much of a difference, but other people do. Go try it out at a LBS or something.

FPSDavid

I'd definitely go with Ultegra 6800.

ThinLine

SRAM Force, great quality

fuel0707

OP - you really need to ride a SRAM-equipped bike if at all possible. The Double Tap shifting style is different from Shimano, if that's what you're used to. It only takes a little bit of riding to get used to the SRAM, in my experience. But like pizza and ice cream, everyone has their own preference and some people like SRAM and others like Shimano, due to the shifting method, the egronomics or both.

If you decide on SRAM, you might consider the Force 22 groupset if it's in your budget.

dwatson

Like other have stated you need to ride SRAM to see if it is for you. I made the switch to Sram and most likely will not be going back. If you have any type of knee issues the longer crank arm could cause pain. I would again suggest that you ride 172.5 cranks before you buy.