Which drop-bar shifters (105 vs Force)

[Erik_A]

Which drop-bar shifters (and group) do you recommend for long distance bikepacking?  Shimano 105 ST-5700 vs SRAM Force.  I have the opportunity to get either group for about the same price.  So far, I have been all Shimano on my road and CX bikes, but have heard that some folks love the SRAM doubletap shifters.  In either case I would be using them with a compatible MTB rear derailleur (XT or X-9).

[bmike-vt]

SRAM Apex served me well on my Fargo, so much that I moved to an X9 rear with Apex on my road rig. I like the shape of the hoods better than Shimano, and have also used Campy.

[sfuller]

It's easier to get MTB derailleurs that work with the SRAM shifters, IMO. I have 105 working with an XT derailleur on one of my cross bikes, but the shifting is not as crisp as I would like sometimes. Combine with a type 2 derailleur and you have a pretty nice setup IMO.