https://uswe.com/en-us/race-2-0
Not a sale but Uswe has an updated pack
The electronic versions of Rival and Apex are largely the same besides finish and some minor differences like stamped vs forged brake levers. APEX also has a mechanical version. But it’s 12 speed, unlike with Shimano where the 4th tier Tiagra groupset has fewer gears. So it’s not really analogous to Shimano offerings.
Back when SRAM first came out, I remember seeing review sites that had it like
105<Rival<Ultegra<Force<DA<Red
There are actually different levels within GRX since they started with 11s & 10s versions.
- RX800 11s like Ultegra
- RX600 11s like 105
- RX400 10s like Tiagra
SRAM definitely positioned their lineup a half-step to a full step ahead of Shimano when it first came out…so Red was supposedly a bit above DA, etc.
But it never really got any market acceptance and Red & DA / Force & Ultegra / Rival & 105 are now seem as comparable groups by the larger public.
I actually really like GRX, but I hate the naming. Same with cars. I have no idea the difference between and can’t identify a Lexus, Mercedes, Mazda, etc. when it’s called a 300, 400, or 500.
On the other hand, there is now an SUV called a mustang, so what do I know…
At least “GRX” suggest it’s for gravel riding. What the heck is Apex? Apex of nothing. Apparently it’s Sram’s low end.
All sram 12 speed RDs have chain tensioners and therefore can be used for gravel.
Dang, that would have been a score. All gone now. I’m looking for a gravel bike, and with Costco’s return policy, this would have been a perfect try.
Kickr v6 for 949 euros, today only
Van Dessel Linefinder SLX for $2,899 - I’m kind of tempted but not finding any reviews. It would be my first mountain bike. VAN DESSEL™ LINEFINDER | CARBON TRAIL / XC BIKE – Van Dessel Cycles
Apex is very low end IME. They are cost engineered and have things intentionally left out so you might be upsold to their higher end products, I guess.
Case in point, apparently all Apex rear derailleurs wobble on the pivot.
I didn’t know this having only setup a Red RD before, and stayed up the night before a gravel race, trying to help a friend (also sleep deprived) setup his bike. We tried for hours to remove this wobble, only to find out around 3am that this is “normal” after we decided to pull up some forum/reddit posts on SRAM setup.
Still makes me angry.
Are you talking about the latest 12 speed Apex? Or 11 speed?
Anything designed to hit certain price points, based on higher end products, is going to need to remove costs from other areas. This is basic manufacturing. SRAM is providing electronic shifting at unheard of price points with Apex. Tradeoffs are a necessary part of the deal.
As for being up late the night before a gravel race setting up Apex, well….is that really SRAM’s fault?
Please move discussion about pro’s/con’s of various groups to separate threads and return to Deals as the main topic.
X01 Eagle Chain - $35, free shipping above $50 from Jenson. supposed to be the sweet spot for durability (worth the extra cost over GX eagle chain).
Base level eagle cassette 11-50t, HG driver - $40. Good option for throwing an eagle drivetrain bike onto trainer without having to get a separate xd-r freehub
Almost an awesome deal. Looks like only options for front are 15mm. So great for previous gen Laufs I guess.
Edit I’m a dumb. Carry on. I have these wheels and they’ve been good. No other off road comparisons though.