bike4fun12

So, I have had a problem shifting from the small ring to the big one for some time now. I have read on some forums that the apex is known for this problem. I didn't mind it as much just cause I stayed on the big one 90% of the time. well, it is so random now when shifting up. sometimes it takes 2-3 cranks then 1 minute later it takes 30 seconds for it to finally catch. I've already changed the FD under warranty once and had numerous adjustments at my LBS and have finally decided to change the FD. I just want a smooth shift change and don't want to worry if or when it will shift up. I just wanted some thoughts on what FD I should go with? I've read that sram force works quite well. any help by anyone, esp. people who have had a similar problem.

canam73

I've switched both my Sram bikes to Shimano FDs. Smoother shifting and not as fussy to set up.

But here's a tip for setting up the sram Fds: Make sure you have it as low as possible relative to the big ring. I think the spec is probably 1-3 mm or something. Try to be at the low end.

bike4fun12

thanks, canam73. I went down to my LBS and found out the shifter was actually "broken" I say it in quotes cause it still works but is technically broken. so, under warranty, I get a brand new one.

twentysomething

Had the same problem. The shifter wasn't springing back or something. The replaced the shifter under warranty.

bike4fun12

I rode another bike with the Froce gruppo and it did feel quicker and a little bit smoother. mostly quicker. but, it shifted everytime. the apex struggle to shift under pressure. I have to shift up with hardly any pressure. so, I lose some time and momentum. It's not like I am racing or anything, it was just nice with the force shifters to be able to shift under pressure and consistently.

any way, I am getting it repaired and my LBS is awesome and have always taken care of me, so, I know I am in good hands.

Adrianinkc

I've seen people complain about apex ft shifting all the time. I have a Roubaix with apex and it shifts great, up down down up every single time it's perfect. I have to say the lbs where I bought it does some damn fine work maybe has to do with the wrench that's adjusting. Not saying anything bad about your mechanic or anyone else's but maybe they haven't had a lot of practice with sram.

bike4fun12

I see what you mean, Adrianinkc. but, my LBS has dealt with Sram for years and years. the owner is there every day and deals with costumers himself. I have 100% confidence they will resolve my FD problem. all I care about is getting the FD dialed down. that's the only thing wrong with the bike. other than that, it is great.

Latif

I've got Sram apex on my Secteur, but only 900 miles so far. Front shifting has always been quick and spot on.

echotraveler

1+


I complained about this FD. It just needed fine tuning. I have over 10,000 miles on mine and its working fine.

OP id stick to this FD until you change the entire group. I drool all over the new sram red FD.

antmeeks

The Apex FD definitely requires some force to shift up...

That said, I think the performance has a lot to do with the skill of the wrench setting it up.

Sometimes when I take the bike in to my LBS for adjustments, I get the 'expert' tech, and it shifts like butter.

Other times I've gotten the summer temp tech and it shifts like cr@p.

dalava

Setting up FD is not a rocket science. Having problem shifting up or down almost has to do entirely with the tension of the cable and limiter screws.

That said, I found the Shimano Ultegra FD shifts much better than the SRAM FDs (Red, Force, or Apex).

CarolinaGuy

I have a 2011 Roubaix with the SRAM Apex group. At about 1,800 miles (and after a new chain), the front derailleur shifting went to pot. 1/3 of the shifts (small ring to big ring) would under-shift, 1/3 would over-shift (off the ring), and 1/3 would work. I'm not a mechanical newbie and spent 4 HOURS one evening adjusting the front derailleur to no avail. It worked great on the stand, but as soon as you put it on the ground with tension, shifting would quickly degrade.

Took it to the LBS... new cable, new big ring, hours of adjustments, and still inconsistent shifting. Final result was a Force derailleur (covered by Specialized, interestingly), and shifting is once again manageable, though still not as smooth as I'd like. All that background to say that while a Force FD is an improvement over the Apex (more robust construction), I'll likely consider swapping in a Shimano FD in the spring.

Turnin2

I have a Cervelo S2 with Rival- no problems with the FD. I have heard of people having problems with the FD mount being loose or with the downtube flexing at the mount point.