Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest

You don't need a SRAM Apex drive train. You can get wide range from a lot of different cassettes and chain rings. If the price is right, you can even get a bike and change its gearing. Ideally you don't want to, but keep in mind that this isn't carved in stone.

Visit Speedy Reedy on the Burke in Fremont, tell them your story, and your budget, and ask what they'd recommend. Take it for a test ride. Repeat at other shops, too. I got my road bike there, and have been as happy with the service as I am with the bike.