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?

Why would you want to use old cables when the new shifters (which will be needed to match up with the new ders) come with new cables? Andy

I'm sure you are aware that R8000 is an 11-speed group so little that's now on the bike will work, possibly including the rear wheel.

I was wondering if all Ultegra models are for 11 speed groups? I was not planning to change the wheels unless I have to. I have Shimano RS500 wheels. Not sure if they can accommodate the 11-speed cassette.

All of the current Dura Ace, Ultegra and 105 groups are now 11-speed.

You could buy older Ultegra stuff -- 6600 and 6700 are both 10 speed; the 6700 shifters have the cables routed under the tape. You probably won't have to pay that much for it, and you'd be able to run your current crankset, cassette, chain and brakes. You also of course wouldn't have to worry about changing your rear wheel.

Also, of course, you don't have to stick to Ultegra if you want to move to 10-speed Shimano. 105 and Dura Ace, will also work, and you can mix and match. Lots of options. If your goal is to switch how your shift levers feel, I'd look at 10 speed Shimano.

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.

I have the 105 level 11 speed cassette on a 10 speed body, just removed the third to last sprocket to get it to fit. I rarely see the bottom 3 sprockets so it makes no difference to me, and it shifts perfectly, albeit there is a ghost shift along the way. No bother as I am not boy racer anymore.

RS500 is 11 speed.

I currently have the Apex 2x10sp also and was thinking of doing the same as you. I was looking into new Shimano 105 7000 it would run around $500 or so which includes a new crank.

But then again a used DA or Ultegra 10sp might be worth investigating. Not sure if a new crank is needed if I go with Shimano drive train. Might look weird to keep the Apex crank or it may not even work??? Keeping the 10sp would save a few buck though due to not having to get a new cassette and chain. What to do???

I love the 105. It is very reliable and easygoing. Nevertheless, the Ultegra feels like a huge improvement over 105, with clear shifting points and predictability; therefore, my goal was to get a bike with Ultegra - no compromises. For some reason, switching from 105 to Apex is not working well with me. I guess, in your case if you don't want to spend much money it may make sense to search for some used group set. Not sure how long one can last but it also depends on how much you are planning to ride.