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Shimano, Campagnolo or SRAM? For a long time, the question of the right groupset was a luxury problem that only technology freaks had to deal with - and when money was no object. It was a question of a few grams difference in weight, the best look and, last but not least, prestige: choosing Shimano has always been regarded as a rational decision at the highest level, and for the reliable technology you are willing to accept a few grams more. Campagnolo fans enjoy detailed designs and the tradition of a big name, whatever the cost. For a long time, SRAM had the reputation of being the underdog in the road bike sector, daring to try something different with a lot of innovation and experimentation, for which the technology was forgiven many a small quirk.
But these clichés are largely a thing of the past. For one thing, Campagnolo now only plays in the luxury segment, and even then in the role of outsider. Shimano and SRAM are the leading gear manufacturers, now playing in the same league and offering comparable technology down to the last detail. The US company, whose development department is based in Schweinfurt, Lower Franconia, has also moved ever closer to the Japanese industry giant in terms of market significance.
With the Rival AXS road bike groupset presented this summer at the latest, the decision question becomes relevant for a very large proportion of road bike buyers. This is because the top dog Shimano, which marked the most favourable entry into the world of electric shifting to date with the 105 Di2, is now facing an equal opponent in many respects. Like almost the entire AXS collection in the current SRAM portfolio, the ensemble has been praised by many for its function and user-friendliness. Then there are the bare figures: The predecessor of the Rival AXS had a tough time against Shimano's bestseller with its higher weight at a higher price. However, the latest update costs and weighs the same as an electronic Shimano 105, which was previously considered to be the only alternative in the attractive price range of around €3000 (for a complete bike).
As part of the Shimano 105 Di2 vs. Sram Rival AXS duel, we also asked two matching bikes to battle it out. All the information and test reports can be found in the following links:
That alone is reason enough for many to take a closer look and ponder whether the groupset might even be the better alternative. Even before this was discussed in the trade press and among dealers and customers, bike manufacturers were likely to have recognised the potential of the groupset. Even in the year of its debut, there are more mid-range road bikes with SRAM equipment on offer than ever before. In the case of the Rival AXS, this is not limited to the endurance models with predominantly simple components, which would be typical for the target group of the group. Aerodynamic competition bikes are also equipped with them and combined with high-quality carbon rims. This at least explains why a carbon racer with the same groupset can sometimes cost less than 3000 euros and sometimes more than 6000 euros. Nevertheless, it is important to take a closer look, as some of the calculations for the electric groupsets do indeed appear exaggerated. There are therefore many questions to consider when buying a bike. The question of the right drivetrain undoubtedly remains an important one - and for the electric mid-range, it no longer answers itself. Our groupset comparison and the double test of inexpensive road bikes with 105 Di2 and Rival AXS provide some help.
Operation & ergonomics of the electrical circuits
Although the look and operating scheme are very different, the fit and handling of both levers are more a question of personal preference rather than good or bad. The Shimano levers offer two clearly distinguishable buttons on each side; in the standard configuration, the front derailleur is operated on the left and the rear derailleur on the right. This can be reprogrammed as required; with the switchable automatic front derailleur, the derailleur can also be operated with one hand. This is not possible with SRAM, as the two buttons, one on the left and one on the right, must be pressed simultaneously for the front derailleur. The chain changes to a larger sprocket on the left and a smaller sprocket on the right individually.
Both grips are ergonomically sophisticated and comfortable, the brake levers and shift buttons are well moulded and easy to reach, and the grip width is adjustable. If you have not yet decided on a control scheme and have normal-sized hands, you will get on well with both grips. For comparatively small hands, the Shimano levers might work a little better. The grip bodies are very slim, so they are easier to grip with short fingers. The SRAM levers offer a little more space between the brake lever and handlebar arch and are more voluminous, so there are no problems even with large hands. The fact that the SRAM lever is made of carbon instead of aluminium is rather cosmetic, and the 105 lever also feels great in the hand.
Shimano 105 Di2: Shift lever
+ compact design
SRAM Rival AXS: Shift lever
+ Simple wiring diagram, easily accessible buttons
SRAM Rival AXS vs. Shimano 105 Di2: drivetrain
When it comes to the quality and function of the drivetrain components, the competitors have nothing in common. With its experience, Shimano has always been a safe bet, while SRAM is on a par with the latest generation: the chains run quietly over the sprockets and the shifting behaviour is top-notch both front and rear. With the gear ratios on offer, both are clearly aimed at amateur athletes: there are no fast professional gear ratios available, but there is plenty of range and easy mountain gears. The number of teeth differs, but due to the different rear sprockets - the smallest sprocket at SRAM only has ten instead of eleven teeth - they offer a comparable range: 50/34 (Shimano) or 46/33 (SRAM) are the first choice for less trained riders and for the mountains; with 52/36 (Shimano) or 48/35 (SRAM), even well-trained riders can still sprint fast.
For the Shimano 105, there are only two flawless mountain cassettes, 11-34 or 11-36, whose gear range is also quite close to each other. Only the more expensive Ultegra versions offer narrower gradations. The two Rival cassettes are very different, which should be taken into account when buying a complete bike: The 10-30 has a sporty, narrow gradation, but is likely to be too sporty for many in the mountains. The 10-36 offers a very light mountain gear, but has a coarser gradation. Shimano is clearly ahead in terms of operating costs: wearing parts such as the chain and sprockets are significantly cheaper. A 105 cassette costs around 60 euros, whereas the Rival package costs 80 to 100 euros.
Shimano 105 Di2: Drivetrain
+ inexpensive wear parts
- No closely graduated cassettes
SRAM Rival AXS: Drivetrain
+ wide range of translations
- Spare parts comparatively expensive
The circuits
Whilst Shimano The 105 groupset shifts gears a little more loudly than the more expensive gearboxes, especially when shifting to smaller sprockets. However, this is not a problem, even under load the gears always engage cleanly. The front derailleur also works impressively quickly and precisely in all situations, albeit with a clearly perceptible motor noise. The Rival is on a par here, and there are no noticeable differences in shifting speed either. The Shimano derailleur can be adjusted simply and intuitively. It's easy to install even without instructions, and fine-tuning the rear derailleur with the Shimano app is child's play. SRAM's Rival requires a little more sensitivity, especially the front derailleur. Printed markings and clear instructions help with the setup.
The biggest practical difference between the drivetrains is the battery management: The central and wired Shimano battery, which supplies the rear derailleur and front derailleur, is usually permanently installed in the frame - the bike must therefore always be brought close to a power socket for charging via a magnetic cable. The separate SRAM batteries are removable, so the bike can remain in its parking space. They can also be interchanged, which can be an advantage in an emergency. In our experience, the SRAM battery runs out a little earlier in practice, but the energy is not scarce in most cases.
Shimano 105 Di2: Shifting
+ slightly longer battery life
- Battery permanently installed on the bike, loud derailleur
SRAM Rival AXS: Drivetrain
+ exchangeable individual batteries
Brakes
With the latest update of the top Red groupset, SRAM was able to secure a clear advantage in the Japanese-American duel: The newly designed brake system outshines all competitors in terms of braking performance. This technology was also given to the inexpensive Rival this year - with simpler materials and slightly heavier, but similarly convincing function. Shimano's product policy is different: The 105 brakes do not offer the Servo-Wave brake booster, which provides disproportionately more braking power with higher hand forces on the more expensive Ultegra and Dura-Ace components.
This is not an issue with light braking, especially as the Shimano levers show less resistance at idle and the brake responds somewhat more sensitively as a result. On steep descents, however, the SRAM brakes are more playful. In addition, different discs can influence the performance of the Shimano 105. Inexpensive bikes in particular are often fitted with cheap brake discs that offer less performance. Only the more expensive, ground discs exploit the full potential of the brake. The lightweight Ice-Tech discs with an aluminium core, on the other hand, can warp after heavy braking and rub against the pads. With SRAM there is only one disc and you can rely on the performance; squeaking noises in the wet are to be expected with both.
Shimano 105 Di2: Brakes
+ sensitive response behaviour
- Less power with cheap discs, occasional squeaking in wet conditions
SRAM Rival AXS: Brakes
+ Outstanding braking performance
- Occasional squeaking in wet conditions
Weights of the electrical switching groups
There is no loser when it comes to the weight of the groupsets. With the new Rival AXS, SRAM has really tightened the weight screw: lighter crank arms, carbon brake levers, lots of plastic on the front derailleur and rear derailleur. In total, it has shed almost 200 grams, putting it on a par with Shimano's 105. The fact that the weights of our test groupsets (see table below) seem to swing the pendulum in favour of the Shimano groupset at first glance is solely due to the fact that the Rival crankset comes with a power meter as standard. If you subtract its additional weight of around 180 grams, the two candidates have nothing in common. However, the parts of both groupsets are not really light, and you wouldn't expect them to be at these prices. Our inexpensive test bikes from Cube and Canyon weigh around 8.5 kilograms; aluminium bikes are generally likely to break the nine-kilo mark. With higher quality wheels and lighter frames, lightweight platforms such as a Giant TCR or Scott Addict RC can also reach 7.5 kilos with the groupsets, but they are then more expensive.
Individual weights in grams
| Shimano 105 Di2 | SRAM Rival AXS | |
| Crankset | 758 | 825* |
| Rear derailleur | 275 | 334* |
| Front derailleur | 134 | 179* |
| Lever and brake body (pair) | 706 | 767 |
| Chain | 243 | 248 |
| Brake discs (pair) | 264 | 276 |
| Battery and cable | 62 | - |
| Total | 2795 | 2970 |
*SRAM Rival AXS: crank incl. power meter, rear derailleur/front derailleur incl. batteries
Apps and additional functions
The electrical groups are both managed via an app by linking your smartphone to the components. The basic functions are the same here and there: you can check the battery status, fine-tune the rear derailleur or change the button assignments. However, SRAM sets the standard when it comes to ease of use. The components appear automatically on the mobile phone display as soon as they are paired and the bike is moved. The AXS app is clear and self-explanatory; in the event of problems, instructions are linked in text/images or optionally videos. Rides can also be evaluated via an associated web application that is optimised for smartphones: Gear statistics, performance data and even tyre pressure, provided you have registered and the corresponding sensors are installed.
A simple power meter is available for the crank, which is also fitted to many complete bikes ex works. Although it only measures one side on the left, it is better than none. Shimano does not offer its own power meter for the 105, so you have to switch to third-party manufacturers, which is expensive. The Shimano app is user-friendly in most respects and offers a lot. In the event of problems, text documents are linked as instructions. The menu navigation is somewhat cumbersome in detail, but offers more customisation options than the competition. Shimano also outsources the analysis of rides to a web application, which offers extensive functions, but has a rather complex interface and is only convenient to use on a computer screen.
Shimano 105 Di2
+ many customisation options
- partly confusing menu
SRAM Rival AXS
+ Intuitive interface, instructions as text or video
Jens Klötzer
Editor
