What components are best? Shimano, Campagnolo or SRAM?

All three companies Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM make several tiers of well-functioning, dependable component groups. (A group is typically defined to include brake and shift levers, brakes, derailleurs, crankset, bottom bracket, cassette and chain.)

Among similarly priced groups, shifting and braking performance as well as weight are close enough that the real deciding factors are style and ergonomics. Be sure to put your hands on all three brands before buying.