Affordable wireless shifting: SRAM presents the new Apex with AXS technology

Shortly before the Eurobike trade fair, the US gear manufacturer SRAM is coming up with a new product that should be of particular interest to price-conscious leisure riders: The Apex is currently the most affordable option for riding an electric drivetrain. The groupset has twelve sprockets on the rear wheel and the same technology as the more expensive Rival, Force and Red groupsets; the actuators, radio technology and batteries are identical. The Apex therefore fits seamlessly into the SRAM AXS environment, at least electronically, which now also includes an electronically retractable seatpost, for example. There are hardly any other features to do without, neither in the shifting technology nor in the braking system. The price difference is mainly due to the weight of the components, a reduced selection of variants and fine finishes.

SRAM Apex: Gravel bikers as a target group

The Apex concept with its gear ratio options is primarily aimed at adventurers; only drivetrains with one chainring and a wide range of sprocket sets are available; an option with a double chainring and front derailleur is not provided and cannot be combined with the rear derailleurs.

The XPLR and EAGLE versions are available, which are aimed at different types of riders. The XPLR version is aimed more at sporty riders and easy terrain. For this, there is a new cassette with an 11-44 gradation, which also fits Shimano HG freewheels. However, the Rival XPLR cassettes with 10-36, 10-42 or 10-44 can also be used if a SRAM XDR freehub is fitted to the rear wheel. The EAGLE version is at home in more difficult terrain and has mountain bike format with cassettes up to 52 teeth; it only works in conjunction with a suitable SRAM freehub. Both versions use different rear derailleurs and chains, which are not interchangeable - so you have to choose one of the drivetrains. The EAGLE gearbox is compatible with some parts from the SRAM mountain bike range. Chainrings with 38, 40 or 42 teeth are available for the cranks.

The grips of the Apex are modelled on those of the recently introduced Rival, so they are slightly slimmer than those of the Red professional group and therefore easier to grip for smaller hands. Power is supplied by a classic button cell. The Apex also has an integrated grip width adjustment. The shift buttons have been slightly enlarged and are structured for better control off-road. The disc brakes have only been slightly revised and offer the proven braking performance and modulation of the more expensive SRAM discs. The Rival groupset also offers the option of a power meter: The powermeter in the crankshaft can also be retrofitted to the Apex. The surcharge is a comparatively favourable 230 euros.

Fans of mechanical shifting will now also find what they are looking for at SRAM: The Apex is also available without electronics with the familiar DoubleTap shifter. There are also twelve sprockets on board and it is available as an XPLR and EAGLE version. However, prospective customers will have to be patient, because while the electronic AXS version is available now, the mechanical components will not be available until September. SRAM also offers flatbar components for the APEX, meaning that all versions of the groupset can also be ridden with straight handlebars instead of racing handlebars.

Prices for the SRAM Apex

The biggest disadvantage of the groupset is probably its high weight: A complete groupset should weigh around 3000 grams depending on the version; SRAM specifies 2882 grams for the lightest version (XPLR mechanical) and 3191 grams for the heaviest (AXS EAGLE). However, the price difference is considerable, with SRAM charging around 1400 euros for the complete electronic groupset. The mechanical version is available for just over 1000 euros.

In the wake of the price increases of recent years, some manufacturers have probably been waiting for such a favourable equipment option in order to be able to offer more affordable bikes again. The first examples will certainly be on show at Eurobike. According to SRAM, prices for complete bikes with electronic APEX are likely to be around 3000 euros; equipped with mechanical Apex, they could start at 1500 to 2000 euros, depending on further specifications.