SRAM 1X Apex drivetrain aims for simplicity, low cost
SRAM continues to bring single-ring drivetrain options to the masses with a low-cost option for road and gravel riding.
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SRAM announced the release of its Apex 1 drivetrain Thursday, an affordable single-ring system intended for road riding. The group is sold with either road levers or a mountain bike-style shifter, so the system works with both drop bars and flat bars. While it’s not likely to find a home on many race bikes, Apex 1 is a low-cost, simple option for recreational road riders and even gravel riders.
The group is reminiscent of SRAM’s Force 1 kit that also eliminates the front derailleur, but the Apex kit is priced more affordably. The rear derailleur accommodates up to a 42-tooth cog and has SRAM’s Cagelock system to help eliminate chain slap, and the crankset features SRAM’s X-Sync tooth profile to help keep the chain in place.
Apex 1 rear derailleur
Price: $79
Weight: 314 grams
S350 1x crankset
Price: $116 (GXP), $151 (BB30)
Weight: 762 grams
Comes in 38-, 40-, 42-, and 44-tooth options; available in 170, 172.5, and 175mm crank arm lengths
Apex 11-speed flat bar shifter
Price: $27
Weight: 142 grams
Apex 1 HRD shift/brake control
Price: $199 left control, $249 right control
Weight: 704 grams (both shifters, calipers, hoses)
Caliper comes in either direct mount or 74mm versions
PG-1130 cassette
Price: $79
Weight: 538 grams
Compatible with all SRAM 11-speed chains and SRAM 1X drivetrains; also compatible with non-XD driver bodies
PC-1110 chain
Price: $14
Weight: 259 grams (114 links)