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SRAM Apex Groupset Review

SRAM are well known for creating cycling components, one of their latest innovative products that they have launched is the SRAM Apex groupset. The Apex is a relatively innovative groupset for road riders; in particular the Apex offers the first 11-32 cassette for the road, whilst also including a variety of SRAM’s latest technological advances.

SRAM have continually promoted the Apex’s WiFLi, Wider, Faster Lighter properties and upon testing, using the WiFLi standard version many of our testers agreed that any rider who currently uses a double crankset will be impressed with the Apex. In particular, our testers noted that scaling steep hills has never been as easy as when using the Apex groupset, therefore riders who ride in hilly areas may benefit from this groupset. Unfortunately, the downside of this wide range is that it can mean finding the perfect gear on flats can be slightly difficult compared to other groupsets.

The shifters and derailleurs possess a typical SRAM feel, similar to the Force or Rival versions, and perform well overall. Fitted with a number of SRAM’s technologies, in particular reach adjustments for brake and shift levers, dual cable routing and ZeroLoss front shifting. Regrettably, the low quality cables used on the Apex does mean that the quality of shifters may deteriorate. Impressively, the front and rear derailleurs perform to SRAM high standards, with the pivots remaining tight to create quick and smooth shifts.

The brakes of the Apex are undoubtedly one of the best aspects of this groupset, using the highest quality materials and brand name parts, for example the SwissStop brake pads. The brake pads performed excellently and were extremely durable. A few testers however did comment on the braking system, stating that the Apex’s callipers lacked the level of power that can be found on the Red or Force. Although, many testers changed the cables and housing, which appeared to improve the braking slightly the Apex braking system doesn’t compare to the more expensive SRAM models, primarily because of the downgraded material and calliper design.

The crankset of the Apex does possess solid forged aluminium 6061- T6 alloy crank arms and aluminium 7075 T6 hard anodized chainrings, which guarantees that the crankset is durable, however, some testers stated that the crank arms and spider were slightly more softer than the Rival OCT crank or on any carbon models. Nevertheless, the crank did effectively transfer power and the PowerGlide chainring technology guarantees precision shifting. Another positive aspect of the Apex crankset is SRAM’s new gutter seal design, which ran smooth and maintained even after excessive use.

The cassette and chain of the Apex performed flawlessly and was proven to be extremely hard-wearing. Although, not the smoothest cassette our rider had tested, the Apex cassette did perform well shifting accurately between ratios. Moreover the adoption of the original PowerGlide technology rather than the latest OpenGlide technology was quiet and performed perfectly.

The Apex is SRAM’s lowest priced groupset; however, while the low price may be appealing to cyclists on a budget it does mean riders should expect a detuned performance, especially concerning the brakes and cranks, when compared to more expensive models available. Overall, SRAM’s Apex does provide excellent features at an affordable price.