SRAM introduced Apex AXS, a 12-speed electronic shifting drivetrain alternative that sits below its Red AXS, Force AXS, and Rival AXS groupsets. It comes in an XPLR wide-range configuration with 10-36t, 10-44t, and 11-44t cassettes and is one-by only (1x). The 11-44t cassette fits on a conventional 11-speed freehub, offering further wheel compatibility, whereas cassettes with teeth starting from 10 require an XDR freehub.
Utilize SRAM’s customary Doubletap shift logic
Additionally, a new Apex Eagle AXS option with an extremely broad gear range using a 10-50t, 11-50t, or 10-52t cassette is available. In addition to the electronic shifting drivetrains, 12-speed mechanical Apex XPLR and Apex Eagle groupsets that utilize SRAM’s customary Doubletap shift logic have also been introduced.
Much of the technology in the Rival 1 AXS single-ring groupset is mirrored in the Apex XPLR AXS, which is more affordable. The Apex XPLR AXS groupset may be customized with the AXS phone app and uses the same derailleur-mounted, removable battery as SRAM’s other electronic shifting groupsets. The rear derailleur utilizes a sprung clutch, similar to the Rival AXS groupset, to aid in maintaining chain order.
Similar to the latest second-generation Force AXS and Rival AXS, the Apex AXS levers have reach adjustability and ribbed hoods. The APEX XPLR AXS groupset is exclusively offered with hydraulic disc brakes, as would be expected. There is also a new Flattop chain that is Apex-spec, as you might anticipate. In order to provide extra shift positions, such as in the drops or on the tops of the handlebars, SRAM allows you to combine the Apex AXS levers with up to three sets of wireless Blips satellite shifters.
Boost Rear Axle Spacing
All 12-speed Apex setups feature a 1x direct mount single chainring crankset that comes in 38, 40, 42, 44, or 46 tooth options. Options for crank length include 165mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, and 175mm. The chain line is moved 2.5mm outboard in relation to a typical road bike chainset since the crankset has wide spacing. Because of this, in addition to the more common 142mm and 135mm road/gravel axles, it may also be used with wider gravel bike tires and with Boost rear axle spacing. The Apex crankset is also compatible with MTB-width bottom bracket shells thanks to the longer spindle.
Even more closely mirroring the Rival-level option is a single-sided left crank-based power meter. SRAM claims that this just adds 40g to the weight of the bike and runs on a single AAA battery. At the same time, SRAM unveiled its first 12-speed electronic shifting groupset for road bikes, the Apex, as a 12-speed mechanical alternative. Both 10-44t and 11-44t cassettes are compatible with it, and the right lever features SRAM’s DoubleTap electronic shifting system. It employs the same Apex Flattop chain and mechanical clutch as the electronic option and has the same reach adjust and hydraulic disc brakes.
