Originally Posted by
ezriderms
Hi there,
I just bought an used Orbea Orca with a Sram Apex groupset. I don't like the Apex at all and want to switch to Shimano Ultegra. I have some questions about compatibility of components.
The specs are:
Chainrings: SRAM 50/34
Front Derailleur: SRAM Apex
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Apex
Rear Cogs: SRAM, 10-speed: 11-32
Caliper Levers/Shifters: SRAM Apex
Brakeset: SRAM Apex
I wonder if I should do a direct swap with all Ultegra R8000 components, or if there is anything from the Sram I can salvage (except derailleurs). How about the cables?
While not officially compatible you could probably get away with reusing the cranks. Other than that, pretty much no. Even the brakes are designed around a different amount of cable pull. You could also technically reuse the FD but I wouldn't. You could probably have better luck reselling the Apex if it's for a full, complete groupset. Also check to make sure the wheels are 11 speed compatible. If they aren't, you still have the option of running an 11 speed Shimano 11-34 cassette, because they will fit on a 10 speed freehub body.
I personally like Sram road. If you just didn't like the feel of Apex shifters consider getting Rival or better. The "zero loss" shifters have way less free throw, but the doubletap thing takes some getting used to. If you upgrade the shifters, chain, and cassette the derailleurs will actually unofficially work with 11 speed.