dag1369

+1

I could not tell the difference between the couple I tested so I picked the LBS that wanted my business and was the most helpful; even though they are like 45 mins away as opposed to the one around the corner from my house. I believe customer service is a big factor in making this kind of a decision; the fact that it was on sale also helped.

JPH3

I got a BMC SL01(aluminum) + full SRAM Rival = $1699 from Competitivecyclist.com

chevychic55

Go with the Scott (as you said you liked the feel) or the one at the local shop. If you get the scott, you can always upgrade the frame later. Plus, my local shop is a specialized dealer and they work on other bikes too. You can get your accessories and stuff at the local shop to build a relationship (if you go with the Scott).

lpolliard

+1 and if it takes you more than three or four months to ride the first 1000 miles then you probably shouldn't be spending $2K on a bike.

specq

What makes Apex lower grade than Rival? It's got wider gearing, but I have not seen anything (including prices) that would imply it's lower grade.

96WX3

I suppose what I read, and heard in this article/video:

https://bicycling.com/blogs/boulderre...-ride-on-apex/



"There are several layers to the new groupset. First, it’s intended as SRAM’s direct competition to Shimano 105. (Because SRAM now has three aftermarket groups, it’s commonly thought that Red equals Dura-Ace, Force competes with Ultegra and Rival with 105, but SRAM itself positions Force opposite Dura-Ace, with Red above. A fair comparison? I’ll leave that for another day.)
Second, it’s intended to bring SRAM’s technologies - DoubleTap shifting, Exact Actuation and all the stuff that gets the marketing treatment - down another level. If you wanted to buy the group itself, it’d be $799 but, more importantly, it’ll appear on complete bikes starting around $1,500."

And that fact that its offered on the 2011 Roubaix for $2000. Not saying I am right, but thats the impression I have so far. Unless Sram is dropping Rival and Apex is taking its place??

Epicus07

For what its worth. I absolutely adore the Salsa Casseroll. It has a really amazing ride quality for a pretty low price tag. It would allow you to equip it with everything you need for commuting and provide a light enough base for long rides and is totally comfortable.

That being said, i bought a Roubaix compact (105) for $1500. I still look at every casseroll that goes by and long to have one as my second bike.

I have owned 8 different "really nice" road bikes in the last few years and the Roubaix is my favorite by far. It is an absolute joy to ride and handles high speed descents with supreme confidence.

If you had the money i would say buy a Salsa Casseroll for commuting, light touring and foul weather ($1250 ) and buy the base level Roubaix with 105 and a compact crank for everything else.

People claim that the base model just isnt as stiff as the more expensive models but i haven't seen it. I weigh 200 lbs and ride hard out of the saddle and don't notice any flex. If you aren't racing, save your money. FWIW i think the base model is actually more comfortable to ride.

Good luck!

specq

No they're not. But go out and price both groupsets direct from distribution (not as part of a bike build) and I think you'll find that there's little if any difference in price. The only thing I see as different is the width of the gear ratios.

Bah Humbug

Apex has some lower grade materials, like no carbon brake handles. Whether the MSRP difference appears on the street is a different matter.

eippo1

The Apex is SRAM's new budget groupset that will be positioned below Rival. It has alloy shifters instead of the carbon ones, etc. It also has a new capability to run ultra wide gearing with a compact, basically getting rid of the need to run a triple. It's actually pretty cool, but will be heavier than Rival. I have yet to test it because we don't have anything built with it yet, but will test it out soon to compare it to my Rival and Force. Also, as far as comparing carbon to aluminum in terms of crashing, that's a terrible argument because neither aluminum or steel have great track records when put under stresses of high impact. Plus, who buys a bike to crash it? Just pay attention when you ride and keep your head up. If a car crashes into you, then make them pay for it. If you race it, then race what you can replace.
Also, the new Roubaix elite will have 8r carbon instead of 7r, but will not be last year's Expert and SL2. They were 9r and the rear triangle was constructed differently.