SRAM Apex goes 12-speed with both AXS and mechanical
SRAM has announced the launch of its latest version of the Apex 1 x groupset, which receives substantially more than a light makeover. In this new guise Apex is now 12-speed, with the range spanning AXS, and 12-speed mechanical options (nicely sidestepping the s**t storm that fell on a certain Japanese rivals head when taking its everyday riders groupset electric).
Apex will see service on a host of bikes, ridden in a variety of different environments, so the news that its joining the 12-speed club is big. Coming with wide-ranging 1×12 gearing for gravel, bikepacking, adventure, casual cruises, and everything in between, bike brands and riders will now have the option to go wireless with AXS, or run classic DoubleTap mechanical shifting.
SRAM is clear that, given the development work elsewhere in its drivetrain product line up, Apex will deliver smooth and reliable shifting, 1 x optimised chain retention (Primoz Roglic, here’s looking at you), and controlled, powerful hydraulic braking.
Apex is positioned as simple to understand and easy to use, keeping the focus on what matters most – enabling good times on a bike.
Apex AXS
For the Apex AXS shifters (msrp £235 per side, inc calliper), images suggest a shared architecture, with the same focus on a hood shape which improves comfort and control, just as we’ve seen with Rival and Force (and, maybe, the upcoming Red – depending on which Bikerumor pics you’ve seen). Apex AXS shifters get ‘Reach Adjust’, just as with Rival AXS, and, as you’d expect, Apex AXS is also Wireless Blips compatible (watch Dave Arthur riding this set up).
For Apex AXS, the XPLR option is likely going to generate a lot of interest. The Apex XPLR AXS rear derailleur (msrp £295 ex battery) fits wide-range cassettes with 36T or 44T large cogs, and incorporates a spring clutch for chain management on or off-road. Whilst X1 Eagle AXS is part of the launch, this comes as an OE only option.
So the AXS kit does what it does across the SRAM range. No surprises there.
What about the mechanical options?
The Apex shift-brake levers (Left side msrp £220 inc calliper / Right side msrp £265 inc calliper) feature SRAM’s familiar hydraulic braking platform, now turned up to 12 speed, enabling Apex mechanical to work with 1x Eagle and XPLR gearing choices. The shifters feature ergonomics subtly different to the AXS controls. Reach Adjust is in place, whilst the brand highlights that its Stealth-a-majig hose connector makes for a quick setup process.
On the back of the bike, if you found yourself looking at the Apex XPLR rear derailleur (msrp £125) and thinking, ‘a 44T cassette – that’s not gonna cut it’, then the Apex Eagle rear derailleur (msrp £135), with a 52T maximum, is likely the way to go – maximum mullet, via a cable operated rear derailleur.
The mechanical Apex 12-speed groupset components are currently forecast to drop with retailers in September
Crankset and Power Meter options
The Apex 1 Wide crankset (msrp £120) comes as 165mm, 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm. Chainring options are 38T, 40T, 42T, with 44T and 46T as OE only.
For those keen to dose and measure their suffering… I mean training…. there’s the essential SRAM Power Meter upgrade option (msrp £205), and, as with the Rival range, this comes as a left side crank arm replacement.
For XPLR the Apex Flattop chain (msrp £32) is used, just as is on the Rival and Force, here sporting a polished grey finish.
For the Eagle application there is a regular (non Flattop) chain, as used on the MTB groupsets. Here, the eagle eyed (pun fully intended) team at Cycling News highlighted that, “The cassettes also have the same MTB-like spacing, which is narrower than a road cassette, so they’ll need a 1.85mm spacer behind the cassette to fit on an XDR freehub.”
Flat bar options
On launch the new Apex also features a S300 flat bar hydraulic brake option (msrp £80 per side).
Apex Groupset overview
