SRAM launches new Apex AXS and Apex groupsets

On Thursday, SRAM debuted its new Apex AXS and Apex mechanical 12-speed groupsets. The entry level groupset includes a versatile wide-range 1×12 gearing that is tailored for gravel, bikepacking, adventures , leisurely rides, and everything in between. Whether you opt for the wireless AXS or the dependable DoubleTap mechanical shifting, you’ll have trustworthy gear changes as well as secure chain retention, and precise hydraulic braking for optimal stopping power.

 

“It’s a really proud moment for us, you know, having this, this version of Apex is really the culmination of eight years of work to bring some of the shifting and gearing innovations of the AXS development which we launched in 2019 down to the core of the market,” JP McCarthy, SRAM road product manager said.

With lots of new people having got into cycling in the past few years, McCarthy says the new products are aimed at riders looking for a reliable groupset at an affordable cost.

“We’’re proud to introduce new Apex, which we think is particularly well suited to new riders, both in its features and in the price point,” he added.

SRAM Apex AXS will be available in June 2023.  The mechanical groupset will be available in September 2023.

Apex AXS

Shift/brake system

The new system Integrates smooth and hydraulic braking with 12-speed wireless shifting. The ergonomic hood design suits hands of all sizes, ensuring comfortable and precise braking from both the hoods and the drops. Textured single paddles are used to shift up or down.

Rear derailleurs

Apex XPLR AXS

The Apex XPLR AXS rear derailleur is designed to accommodate wide-range cassettes with large cogs of either 36T or 44T. It includes a spring clutch mechanism that ensures proper chain management, no matter what surface you’re riding on. It is 1x specific for use with 11-44 T XPLR, 10-44T XPLR, and 10-36T cassettes
with eTap shifting.

X1 Eagle AXS

Compatible with all Eagle drivetrain cassettes, the X1 Eagle AXS derailleur is well-suited for both gravel and mountain bike applications. The rear mech used tech from the mountain bike AXS derailleurs and X1 Eagle AX.

Crankarm power meter upgrade

Dependable power measurement has become essential to riders of all skills, so if you’re looking to measure watts, there is an Apex AXS crankarm power meter upgrade.

Apex-03 Series / 1×12

SRAM’s 12-speed technology used in its high-end electronic groups is now available in mechanical. The Apex shift-brake lever is now available in 12-speed, integrating the 1x Eagle and XPLR gearing options. Using the ergonomics of the AXS controls, the new levers offer control and comfort for riders of all hand sizes. Hydraulic disc brakes offer solid stopping power and stable modulation.

Apex XPLR rear derailleur

The rear mech is compatible with cassettes with 44T large cogs, and shifting is seamless and quiet. It is used with a Flattop chain, and works with 12-speed mechanical Apex and Eagle shifters.

Apex Eagle rear derailleur

The Eagle range is now incorporated into a drop bar bike. The read derailleur seamlessly shifts between the 12-speed Eagle cassettes, and also has chain retention tech designed specifically for 1x setups. To be used with an Eagle chain, it is compatible with 50T and 52T Eagle cassettes.

Apex 1 Wide crankset

The Apex 1 Wide crankset, made with aluminum crankarms, ensures both lightweight and durable performance. It includes a light and stiff Durable Unified Bottom Bracket (DUB) spindle, along with a wide chainline crankset, so you accommodate the beefiest of gravel tires.

SRAM XPLR AXS  US$1,195

SRAM Eagle AXS US$1,290

SRAM Eagle Mech, US$930

SRAM XPLR Mech, US$947