If you’re looking for the footnotes: SRAM vs. Shimano has been the proverbial “Coke-Pepsi” test in mountain and gravel bike components for decades. In our updated product line comparison, we include more information about their respective braking systems. For good reason: there are significant differences. Although you can accomplish the same tasks on equipment from either brand, your familiarity or preference may make you more efficient with one over the other. And with an avalanche of new electronic product releases in the past year, answering the question “Should I ride SRAM or Shimano?” can be complex.

Both companies offer full groupset and drivetrain systems that go head-to-head in competition, from mid-level to World Cup race quality. Also, both brands have pushed further into diversifying electronic technology (and both still use naming conventions that start with X) so things can get a little confusing. The following tables are our cheat sheets for understanding how the product offerings stack up:

The experience of riding SRAM technology and Shimano technology is pretty close these days, with only small details differentiating the two. 

Shimano drivetrains have a little more engaged feel at the shifter, but the chain gradually transitions from one gear to the next, making for a very smooth shift, hence their “Hyperglide” branding. Sometimes it’s so smooth it’s hard to tell if you actually changed gears besides the fact that it is suddenly easier to pedal. It is nice to experience that smooth shifting without worrying about your battery dying, though that is only an advantage on non-Di2 systems (Di2 is Shimano’s electronic shifting).

SRAM tends to have a lighter feel at the shift lever, but the chain has a positive shift, jumping on to the next cog all at once. You will know you shifted with a SRAM drivetrain. T-Type (Transmission) derailleurs have definitely increased shifting smoothness; in some of our riding experience we think it’s on par with Shimano. Transmissions are hands down the smoothest shifting under load, whether you’re moving up or down the cassette. The Transmission downside? Slower shifting. It’s noticeable.

To us, the biggest difference is in the brakes. Shimano brakes are known for having more power but less modulation—great for stopping before you run off the trail, but not as easy to scrub just a little speed before a corner. SRAM brakes have a little less power but have great modulation—perfect for slowing down without making the tire skid, but they can feel a little “soft” if you’re accustomed to stop-on-a-dime Shimano 4 piston power. Both can work well but require a different touch. We are looking forward to spending more time on the recently released SRAM Maven brakes, which the brand bills as “Extreme Duty” and compares to Shimano’s Saint brakes. Here at Sports Garage we think SRAM vs. Shimano vs. Hayes vs. Hope is worth an extra conversation, so keep an eye out for more of our thoughts on this.

So, How to Choose?

If you’re a research-driven type of rider, chances are you’ve already spent several hours on “SRAM vs. Shimano” reviews. Research is a great jumping off point for either making your decision or asking more questions! Two rules of thumb we recommend when making your product selection:

• Demo a drivetrain: If you haven’t experienced electronic shifting in action, consider taking out a demo—even if the bike isn’t the model you’re interested in buying, demoing a drivetrain can help you make a more informed decision. 

• Compare products in the same quality range: If you’re looking at a bike equipped with Shimano XT technology, the “apples to apples” comparison is a bike equipped with SRAM Eagle Transmission X01. Yes, SRAM’s elimination of new mechanical X01 drivetrains has made this comparison more complex, but in the SRAM vs. Shimano debate, this is where we’re at.

Sports Garage Demo Bikes Equipped with SRAM AXS T-Type Transmissions

• Pivot Mach 4 SL (Small, Medium, Large)
• Pivot Switchblade (Medium, Large)
• Yeti SB120 (Large)