which groupset???

[turbopercy]

At the risk of starting a riot and i am sorry to do this but which groupset do people use
Just after which manufacturer at first
Sram
Campagnolo
Shimano
What are peoples thoughts and has anybody experienced any problems
I know people will say whats your budget because the ranges are quite vast but not looking for out and out top spec but a very good reliable set
As for cassettes dont want a granny ring and probably go for a 10 speed cassette will probably buy a couple of cassettes one for hills and one for flatter routes
Probably missed loads of key points out but all help much appreciated

 

[Smokin Joe]

Mix & Match.

Shimano and SRAM wheels, cassettes and chains are cheaper and more readily available than Campag, Campag shifters are cheaper than Shimano and on ten speed will work with Shimano spacing provided you use a Campag mech, they are also easily repairable. Shimano chainsets use better bearings than Campag and are less fussy to fit, brake calipers don't matter, use what you fancy.

 

[smokeysmoo]

FWIW I use a Shimano Dura Ace 7900 mechanical groupset on my CAAD10, with a KMC X10 chain.

Why? I've just always had Shimano over the years and it's never let me down, (except Shimano chains), so I stick with it.

That said I tried Campag Veloce on a build I did a couple of years ago, but TBH I found it quite agricultural, I didn't like the thumb shifters, and I just couldn't adjust to it. I sold that bike quite quickly after that.

I've never used Sram but wouldn't be averse to trying it when it's new bike time, but sadly that won't be for a long time yet, (at least new anyway).

 

[Venod]

Shimano mix of Ultegra & 105 on the road bike (KMC chain planet x brakes)

Sram/Avid gears and brakes on the MTB with Shimano chainset & cassette.(KMC chain)

 

[turbopercy]

See forgot to mention this is to build my own road bike

 

[raleighnut]

105 is probably the best at VFM, quality seems to begin here in Shimano's range, not so keen on the look of the chainrings though too blocky and aero for me. (one of these days I may get round to fitting the Ultegra triple I've got to replace it but I might need it for my Ridgeback if the triple wears out on that)

 

[young Ed]

shimano 105 is good (never owned but have ridden 30 or so miles on carbon 105) and many people say it isn't worth spending the extra money on ultegra and durace unless you are racing or TTing
i think if i ever build from scratch i will probably go for 105 and then maybe slap ultegra brakes or one or two other ultegra bits on it as 105 wears out
worth getting good pedals IMO though so i would say splash out on them
Cheers Ed

 

[vickster]

SRAM for me, I can't brake effectively from Shimano hoods, just the wrong shape for me. Apex decent, but I'd spring the extra for Rival (which I did with my build)

If happy with Shimano, 105 is smooth shifting, light enough, cables route under tape etc

 

[Cycleops]

Have always used Shimano and found them to be reliable and well made. Agree with @raleighnut 105 probably represents good VFM.

The only problem with using two cassettes is that your rear mech might not handle both if there is too much variation I the lowest cog.

 

[mrbikerboy73]

Always had Shimano on my various bikes and it's never let me down. Got 105 on my Defy and it's great, Tiagra on my winter hack that's done a million miles and it's fine. My MTB has Alivio and it's had loads of abuse but works without fault. I had a demo Giant Anthem with SRAM which wasn't great but that could just be poor adjustment. So I'm in the Shimano camp!

 

[TheDoctor]

Sram, Campag or Shimano, to be honest they're all pretty good these days.
It comes down to which lever you find more comfortable and which gearchange feels 'right', all that subjective stuff. Ride a few different groupsets, then you'll know.

 

[Hacienda71]

I have Sram on one bike and Shimano on the other. I chose Sram on my own build as it was lighter than Shimano at the same price point. I prefer the double tap shifting and the positivity of Sram over Shimano. Shimano is slicker, which I am sure many people will prefer. I haven't considered Campag for a build, due to less interchangeability particularly with wheelsets.

 

[adamhearn]

What the bike came with: a bit of this and a bit of that. Important bits (shifters and mechs) are 105. FSA for crank (BB30) and Tektro for the brakes.

 

[Sharky]

Used to ride with simplex, Benelux, Huret.

Today's kit are all brilliant.

Cheers keith

 

[citybabe]

SRAM for me, I can't brake effectively from Shimano hoods, just the wrong shape for me. Apex decent, but I'd spring the extra for Rival (which I did with my build)

If happy with Shimano, 105 is smooth shifting, light enough, cables route under tape etc

@vickster what SRAM do you use? I also find 105 is rather awkward to break with with my small hands