So the new SRAM Apex gruppo just got announced/tested by Bicycling.com and I wanted to get Bike Forums expert opinions on the group. SRAM Apex I'm just curious as to how you guys think it'll stack up in the world of cycling.

so it's just a long cage rear der. intended to be used with a mtn cassette (they already made 10 spd XX), coupled with a compact? I get it, but I think the important point is it's cheaper than the other groups. I guess it's a sora/tiagra competitor. They've needed one for awhile. Short of weight, I wonder what you give up.

edit: can you say cyclocross?

Sram is kicking everyone's ass. Red is the lightest and arguably the best top end group and nothing comes close to Rival and now Apex at the lower end. My 09 Rival is lighter than Dura Ace 7800 and not far off from 7900 at a fraction of the price. It works and works well.

I doubt it would be that low.

Red would be DA
Force would be ultegra
Rival would be 105

the problem with this comparison is that many consider rival to be above 105 and force to be above ultegra. if not because of shift quality then certainly for weight savings.

Rival CRAPS all over 105. Rival is barely 100 grams heavier than Dura Ace 7900. Ultegra is a better choice than 7900 IMO.

ok then, the msrp on the 2010 105 group is $850. Apex is $799, so it's right around there. I'm sure everyone will think it's functionally better than 105, so there you have it -- your new budget race groupset. No one buys rival now, since apex does the same thing and if they wanted to spend more money they'd go with red


^^ edited the wrong post, but this sounds like the perfect group for cyclocross. there's even a 46/38 available standard.

Rival still gives you carbon shifters and a better crank. Apex is still over 225 heavier than Sram Rival. So if retail is $799 on Apex, you can get Rival for less than that now. Apex will probably be had for $500 from PBK if they carry it next year.

Plus Rival is 330 grams lighter than 105 currently. THERE IS NO COMPARISON.

That was what I was thinking in that it would be a good addition to my bike as I'm riding a crap Sora/Tiagra mix with STI shifters. Thats what you get when you are broke. Anyway, the Apex looks interesting for my Gavin.

OEM for $1,000 and below bikes.
That's what this group is for- to attack the Sora/Tiagra spec that comes standard on so many freaking bikes.
Imagine an $1,100 CAAD9 with 10-spd and Double Tap shifters?
Any CX applications are just bonus.

To me Apex is a competitor to Tiagra/105. Rival is equivalent to Ultegra in my opinion (I've ridden both, Rival is an all around better group to me). Unless you really hate Double Tap I don't see any reason to get a Shimano groupset anymore.

If you have to have a triple for some reason, Shimano's got you covered. The only Shimano groupset I'd consider is Di2... and only if someone gave it to me for free.

Looks really promising especially for those who need the range of a triple since this will be a great way to get the gear combos without the hassle. I've been using Rival for almost a year now and really like that gruppo, so when it's time to upgrade I'll definitely get Red. Next bike will be SRAM equipped as well, and not because I hate Shimano but I like SRAM's shifter ergonomics and adjustability, lower weight, and cheaper price.

I think it's definitely a nice way to get into the double/10 speed setup.. SRAM's stuff is nice and easy to use.. 5 seconds and you've figured it out. Their stuff is solid and it works.. At this point I'd consider a 10 speed SRAM product at the Sora level...That's how much I like their stuff..

Yeah, my best friend has SRAM Rival on his bike and I love it. I rode it on one of our rides and it was money. The whole double tap system is excellent! Shimano isn't that bad if it comes standard on your bike and its 105, but like I said, Sora and Tiagra are CRAP! Why isn't SRAM on any stock bikes?

I think SRAM doesn't sell as cheaply or as much through OEMs, or something, since PBK's SRAM prices aren't great at all (I can almost always find a better deal in the US).

I suspect that since Shimano has "slipped up" with 7900, it gives SRAM the excuse to move everything upwards in price. It's hard to believe that Apex will be $799 and Rival $850 or so. Expect a price bump. On the other hand, SRAM gives you lots of features across the board, with similar weight/performance (except maybe Red). With Shimano this isn't the case.

Did anyone notice the sudden drop in Shimano pricing at Nashbar/Performance? Shimano has no choice but to compete, with Rival shifters going for around $250 retail, it was very hard to justify the $200 price bump to Ultegra (also retail). Nashbar/Performance both had Ultegra shifters recently for under $300 after discounts, i'm sure they got a great deal from Shimano to try and move volume. In the aftermarket, i'm willing bet to that SRAM has taken out a big chunk of their market.

Shimano still probably owns the majority of the OEM market, as i'm sure their OEM prices are far far less than what we pay retails (hence the pricing from PBK). If that's any indicator, then SRAM OEM pricing isn't discounted nearly as much (none of the UK sellers are particularly cheap with SRAM). I'd expect Apex to be a nice volume group that SRAM can push out to manufacturers to come stock on bikes at a low price, while still not cannabilizing their existing market.

I really like Shimano's stuff, but it's becoming increasing difficult to justfiy the cost ... I have to pay MORE for Ultegra, and it weighs MORE than Rival?!? 100g MORE?!? It doesn't seem like much but you go through the same exercise with most of the components, and Shimano just stops making sense after a while. I don't doubt that the Shimano shifters might be of higher quality (made in Japan) and more complicated, but the bottom line is that SRAM stuff is priced lower, weighs significantly less, and it's good enough for TDF teams, i'm sure it's good enough for most of us.

As an aside, poor Campy. I remember there was a time when there was a decent amount of Campagnolo equipped bikes in North America.

Salsa, Trek, Cannondale, and Specialized all offer models with SRAM stock..

I like it! SRAM will leave Shimano hoping that they (SRAM) do not come out with fishing rod components.

But not at a price friendly to those just starting to get into cycling; compared to running it's WAY more expensive, even if you buy consumables less often

Rival is way above 105, IMO. I see all the current SRAM groups as having exactly the same quality technology, and differing only in their material composition (ie, carbon vs. aluminum etc.).

And as we all know. Weight > all other factors

Please.....

But OK...I'd range Rival over 105, but as 105 I hate the cassette body killing loose cogs on their cassettes.

Er - I doubt you will find a $1000 with an $800 group on it. New, in a bike shop.

After purchasing Rival I'll never go back to Shimano. I'm already looking forward to building up a budget bad weather bike with Apex.

I wonder what the tone is like at the Shimano corporate office everytime Sram drops a new group on the market. I assume a whole lot of face palms especially when they realize all the triple cranksets they have sitting in a warehouse.