SRAM Apex Offers Wider Gearing: Filling the Gear Hole in Force eTap AXS 12-Speed Wireless Groupset
SRAM is expanding its offering of gravel groupsets with the introduction of new wider-range 10-36T cassette and smaller 43/30T chainrings to their Force eTap AXS 12-speed wireless groupset. The company’s second-tier wireless groupset is undoubtedly getting a widespread appeal to gravel and adventure-minded riders seeking gears for easier climbing and more total spread between the hardest and easiest gears ratio. This article is a comprehensive review of the new SRAM Apex groupset and its features.
SRAM Apex – What You Need to Know
The Apex groupset is targeted at those who love to explore beyond the conventional paths and are looking for reliable and capable shifting solutions that come in affordable prices. It replaces the company’s limited 11-speed Apex offerings with wide-range, 1×12-speed options ideal for modern-day riders.
Apex Eagle & Apex XPLR
The Apex Eagle and Apex XPLR Mechanical groupsets by SRAM pair DoubleTap shifting with hydraulic braking in a robust, reliable and 1×12 gearing package that offers multiple cassette options for riders. The groupsets provide up to 520% gear range and are equipped with clutch systems that allow for smooth jumps and reliable chain tension.
Apex AXS and XHORIZON
The Apex AXS groupset is one of the electronic offerings in the Apex collection. It comes with 1×12-speed cassettes and pairs with SRAM’s X-HORIZON straight parallelogram design, making it impossible to make ghost shifting a possibility while still reducing shift force. The cage lock also features quick wheel changes or chain installations to enable riders to have personalized fit and control and improved ergonomics with the textured hood and paddle.
10-36T Cassette and 43/30T Chainrings
The new SRAM Apex offers wider gearing with a 10-36T cassette and smaller 43/30T chainrings. This combo offers a whopping 516% range, providing even wider ratios than the “mullet” setups already on tap that pair a road single-chainring crankset with one of SRAM’s 10-50T Eagle mountain bike cassettes and rear derailleurs. Single chainring configurations also retain gears with tighter steps that many riders prefer, but dual chainring configurations offer more complication.
Cross-Tier Compatibility
The great thing about the new SRAM Apex is that it is cross-compatible with the existing Force eTap AXS components and Red eTap AXS, as well. The all-new chainrings are more likely to be installed on bikes with bigger tires, so SRAM has boosted the official tire capacity up to 700 x 45 mm or 27.5 x 2.1″. However, this was achieved by increasing the bottom bracket spindle length by 5 mm, which pushes out the chainline by 2.5 millimeters.
Pricing
The new groupset is available now, and the prices of all of the new bits align with SRAM’s existing range. According to the company, below are the official figures:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| SRAM XG-1270 10-36T cassette | US$185 / AU$350 / £170 / €190 |
| SRAM Force eTap AXS medium-cage rear derailleur (without battery) | US$490 / AU$1000 / £415 / €465 |
| SRAM Force Wide eTap AXS front derailleur (without battery) | US$350 / AU$700 / £290 / €325 |
| SRAM Force Wide D1 DUB crankset (without bottom bracket) | US$420 / AU$750 / £390 / €435 |
Moving forward, all Force eTap AXS components also get a gloss black finish in place of the original matte finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new SRAM Apex groupset, and what is its purpose?
The new SRAM Apex groupset is the latest addition to the company’s existing lineup of groupsets designed specifically for riders who love to explore off the beaten track. The groupset provides riders with a reliable and capable shifting solution that comes at an affordable price, making it accessible to more riders.
2. What is the key highlight of the new groupset?
The newest groupset comes with a 10-36T cassette and smaller 43/30T chainrings, providing a wider range of gearing that is ideal for adventure and gravel riders, making it easier to climb on more topography.
3. Is the new SRAM Apex groupset compatible with other eTap components?
Yes, the new groupset is cross-compatible with the existing Force eTap AXS components and Red eTap AXS, too. This is a great advantage for users to upgrade their groupsets over time.
4. What are the prices of the new SRAM Apex groupset and its components?
The prices of the new SRAM Apex groupset components range between USD 185 to USD 490 and include the 10-36T cassette, medium-cage rear derailleur, wide eTap front derailleur, and DUB crankset.
5. When is the new groupset available for purchase?
The new SRAM Apex groupset is currently available for purchase. Riders can buy and upgrade their bikes with this groupset immediately.