New SRAM Apex gruppo | The tech trickles down a pricepoint

15 june 2023, cape town south africa | overview of the new sram apex gravel cycling groupset as published on bike network

SRAM has completely revamped their Apex gruppo to include AXS technology and other lekker wizardry from their high-end performance drivetrain and brakes.

15 june 2023, cape town south africa | overview of the new sram apex gravel cycling groupset as published on bike network
Apex is the base-level groupset from SRAM for gravel riding, adventures, bikepacking, casual cruising and just about any application in between those.

Gearing wise, SRAM Apex is now a wide-range 1×12 system, available in the brand’s wireless electronic option known as AXS or classic mechanical shifting. There’s a total of four derailleurs in the new range. Two are electronic, that’s the Apex XPLR AXS which is for wide-range cassettes up to a 44T maximum and the Apex X1 Eagle AXS for gearing of 50 or 52T. The latter is compatible with the Eagle gearing system so can be used on Trail bikes. Apex XPLR and Apex Eagle are the mechanical (cable) derailleurs, again, to be used with smaller 44T cassettes and bigger 50/52T Eagle cassettes respectively.

15 june 2023, cape town south africa | overview of the new sram apex gravel cycling groupset as published on bike network
Local pricing and availability will be available through your bike shop.

The Apex 1 crankset is available in 165, 170, 172,5 and 175mm crank lengths with chainring sizing options starting at a 38T and running up to 46T. The brakes are hydraulic with the hoods being reshaped a-la Force and Rival. The revised ergonomics mean Apex will be a better fit for all hand sizes.

15 june 2023, cape town south africa | overview of the new sram apex gravel cycling groupset as published on bike network
That’s pretty premium-looking.

The textured finish on the hoods and levers improves comfort and control. Reach adjustability brings the bite point closer or further from the bars, which improves the ride experience. Again, this technology exists within the brand’s Rival AXS and Force AXS gruppos.

Apex is simple to understand and easy to use, keeping the focus on what matters most – finding the fun.” – SRAM.com


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