Originally Posted by
badger1
In relation to what? If to higher-level SRAM, or Ultegra/Dura-Ace, then yes, but IIRC it is (as a group) lighter than 105. Didn't and doesn't matter much to me, but I believe that's the case.
My impression of SRAM Apex that it was supposed to line up quality-wise and weight-wise with Shimano 105 WITH the benefit that as a wide-range double you could save the weight/cost/complexity of running a triple of similar quality. So it's heavier than Ultegra-quality stuff, but lighter than a Shimano 105 triple setup.
With the growth of 2 x 10 drivetrains for mountain biking, driven by both SRAM and Shimano, there are lots of interesting mix-and-match possibilities out there if you want a double-chainring set-up with low gears.
The stock drivetrain on the Salsa Fargo is one example -- SRAM Apex 10 speed shifters; a 40T x 27T double crankset; a 12-36T rear cassette. Slap that on a road bike and you'd have no trouble climbing the highest hill; you would "spin out" at around 30 mph, if you are the type who likes to pedal down hills.