Shimano 105 Di2 vs. SRAM Rival AXS (12spd): Weights and Features Compared

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In this article, I’m comparing the two most affordable electronic road bike groupsets from Western brands: Shimano 105 Di2 and SRAM Rival AXS. Below, I break down their weights and features. As a Shimano Di2 user, I’ve also tried AXS, and I share my experience below.

Let’s examine them in detail.

Abbreviations used: FD – front derailleur, RD – rear derailleur

Shimano 105 Di2 vs. SRAM Rival AXS: Summary

The following table summarizes the most important features of these two groupsets.

Pros and Cons

Let’s now take a look at their pros and cons.

Weight

The Shimano 105 Di2 electronic groupset is a bit heavier than its mechanical predecessor (R7020). The R7020 groupset weighs around 2780g, while the R7150 weighs about 3000g. The wireless SRAM Rival AXS groupset weighs almost the same (~3020g).

Winner: Shimano

Shifting

Shifting is the most critical function of cycling groupsets, and it’s also where these two groupsets differ the most.

The first difference is in the shifting system. Shimano Di2 has two buttons on both levers. The left lever shifts the front derailleur, and the right lever shifts the rear derailleur. Unfortunately, it does not have the hidden buttons found on Ultegra or Dura-Ace Di2.

TIP: Check out this comparison of Shimano 105 vs. Ultegra vs. Dura-Ace Di2.

SRAM is simpler. Each shifter has only one button. To shift the front derailleur, you press both at once. Shifting the rear gears is done by pressing the left or right button.

Both systems have their fans, and the Shimano vs. SRAM debate seems never-ending. I recommend trying both to see which one suits you better. I’m more used to Shimano, but I find SRAM very intuitive.

Let’s focus on shifting speed for a moment. Both groupsets are comparable in this regard. However, SRAM has been criticized for its front derailleur shifting, which is not as accurate, smooth, and reliable as Shimano’s.

SRAM Rival, on the other hand, has better chain management. The RD’s spring keeps the chain tensioned, eliminating chain slap when riding rough roads or cobblestones.

Winner: Shimano

Electronics

A significant difference between the 105 Di2 and Rival AXS is that the 105 Di2 is semi-wireless, while the Rival AXS is entirely wireless.

On the 105 Di2, the cables run from the battery (hidden in the seatpost) to the FD and RD. There are no cables between the shift levers and the battery because the battery sits directly in the levers.

SRAM, on the other hand, is entirely wireless. The shifters, FD and RD, have their own batteries that can be swapped between the FD and RD as needed, and they are compatible with all SRAM road groupsets. So if your RD battery discharges, you can swap in the FD battery.

The wireless groupset has an advantage, particularly for those who want to build their own bike, because installation is simpler. In fact, you only need to run the brake cables through the frame.

Both groupsets have roughly the same battery life. The Shimano battery typically lasts around 1500 km (depending on how often you shift), which is around 50 hours of riding at 30 km/h. SRAM claims a battery life of around 60 hours, which translates to about 1800 km of riding (at 30 km/h).

Winner: SRAM

Gear Range

For a long time, we’ve been used to “standard” gears on road bikes. SRAM, however, has changed the game with its X-range gearing, as shown in the picture below. It was designed so you don’t need to shift the front chainring as often. SRAM achieved this by using a smaller cassette with a wider gear range.

On the road, this means that Rival’s 10T cog plus wide‑range cassette gives you a harder gear for faster descents and an easier gear for very steep climbs, at the cost of slightly bigger cadence gaps between gears.

105 Di2’s 11T cog and tighter cassette options keep cadence changes smaller, which some riders prefer for fast group rides or racing on rolling terrain.

Winner: SRAM

Design

Design is purely a matter of personal preference. While it affects both functionality and aerodynamics, in this section, I’m only assessing appearance.

Personally, I prefer Shimano’s design. I can’t get used to the SRAM AXS battery protruding from the FD and RD. It’s a bit bulkier and less sleek. However, I admit that this system is clever.

Which set do you like? And do looks play a role for you?

Winner: Shimano

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is an essential factor for me. During long rides, shifters must fit well in my hands to prevent bruising and make the ride more comfortable.

Previous SRAM Rival sets had bulky levers, but the latest Rival levers are slimmer. SRAM trickled down the technology from RED to Rival (and Force). The same applies to 105.

Winner: It’s a draw

Braking

The braking experience is similar across both groupsets; unlike MTB groupsets, where the braking effect dosage differs slightly. David Arthur created an interesting comparison of Rival and 105, which includes a braking distance test.

Although SRAM won this braking test, the stopping distances were almost identical. The choice comes down to lever feel and fluid preferences.

Winner: It’s a draw

Compatibility and Future Upgrades

Remember that Shimano and SRAM cassettes are no longer compatible. Most wheelsets use the Shimano-compatible HG freehubs, while SRAM uses XDR freehubs. SRAM Rival AXS normally expects an XDR freehub. That may mean buying a new freehub body or, in some cases, a new rear wheel before you can run the full range of cassettes SRAM offers.

Frame-wise, Rival’s fully wireless layout is a big win for older frames or bikes with awkward internal routing. There are no wires to thread through the frame, which makes home builds and cockpit adjustments much easier. Shimano 105 Di2 uses a central battery and wiring between the derailleurs, so it works best on frames with decent access ports.

When it comes to mixing in gravel or MTB parts, Rival AXS has the clear edge. You can pair it with XPLR or even Eagle rear derailleurs and wide-range cassettes if you want truly low gearing for steep off-road climbs or bikepacking. Shimano 105 Di2 can be combined with GRX for a more “gravelish” setup, but you have fewer extreme gearing options and more trade-offs if you want one bike to cover everything from fast road to chunky gravel.

Winner: SRAM

Extras

Satellite shifters are useful for climbers because they let you shift without moving your hand off the top of your bars. Unfortunately, the Shimano 105 Di2 doesn’t allow you to connect them because the levers lack an accessory port. SRAM Rival AXS also lacks this port, but you can attach wireless satellite shifters to it.

Both groupsets support Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. However, SRAM’s smartphone app is more user-friendly and provides more data than Shimano’s app. Therefore, if you want to know how many miles you’ve ridden in each gear or quickly reconfigure the buttons, SRAM is the better choice.

Unlike 105, you can buy SRAM Rival with a Quarq power meter. Quarq power meters are considered pretty reliable (unlike Shimano power meters), so you don’t need to buy a 3rd party power meter.

Winner: SRAM

Price

On price, SRAM has an edge. The price increase between Shimano 105 R7020 and R7100 doubled, jumping from around $950 to $1900. Yes, 105 Di2 is an excellent groupset, but in my opinion, this increase is not justifiable.

SRAM Rival AXS is more affordable. It costs about $1400. It is cheaper than the 105 Di2, even if you buy it with a power meter and satellite shifters.

Winner: SRAM

Total Score: Shimano (3), SRAM (5), It’s a draw (2)

Who Should Choose Which?

It’s rarely black-and-white. Both groupsets deliver reliable electronic shifting that transforms the riding experience (compared to mechanical shifting).

Shimano 105 Di2 suits climbers or crit racers who prioritize crisper front shifts under load and tighter gear spacing to maintain smooth cadence on rolling terrain or during repeated attacks. Its semi-wireless setup feels more “road race refined,” but requires frame routing.​

Or reliability-focused road purists who value longer intervals between charges (typically lasting anywhere between 1 and 3 months) and compatibility with common HG freehub wheels. However, it lacks native 1x or power meter options.

SRAM Rival AXS fits endurance riders, bikepackers, or gravel-adjacent folks chasing wider gear range (10T cog + XPLR/Eagle cassettes) and 1X simplicity for loaded tours or mixed-surface adventures. It’s a fully wireless setup that also shines for easier DIY installs.

For budget-conscious tinkerers wanting a native power meter and app-based tweaks out of the box. However, it will require more frequent dual-battery charges (every 1-2 months).​

Considering Rival’s cross-groupset components compatibility, price, and its overall performance, I believe it offers better value.

Which groupset are you leaning towards, and is there anything about the other one that bothers you? Let me know in the comments!

Shimano 105 Di2 vs. SRAM Rival AXS: FAQ