New SRAM Apex Eagle 12-Speed Drop-Bar Drivetrain offers Ultimate Compatibility

SRAM released a multi-tier group of components today, all under the new SRAM Apex XPLR range. There are two wireless 12-speed groups and two mechanical 12-speed groups that account for four new derailleurs, two shift/brake sets, a crankset, a new 11-44t cassette, and more. We’ll dig into each of the four main groupsets, but first it’s worth pointing out that the star of the show in our eyes is the mechanical Apex XPLR shifter set. Finally, we get a shifter from a major brand that has the same pull ratio as their MTB groups, meaning that it works with all other SRAM Eagle 12-speed derailleurs. That’s bad news for Ratio Tech, who makes the replacement ratchet that converts older Rival and Apex shifters to the Eagle ratio, but good news for those who’ve waited. Here’s a quick rundown of the four groups with a pricing table for each. You can find a weights table with all the components at the bottom of the page.

SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed (52t Max)

While the naming conventions are slightly confusing, the SRAM Apex XPLR Eagle (or SRAM Apex Eagle?) group is the most interesting for the simple fact that it sets a new precedent for drop-bar drivetrains. The 12-speed shifter has the same “X-Actuation” pull ratio as SRAM’s Eagle MTB derailleurs, so you can mix and match components and use it with any Eagle derailleur or 50T/52T cassette. The group includes all the components listed below. The lever and brake sets have a hydraulic two-piston caliper and the right lever has a typical SRAM DoubleTap shifter paddle, although it appears that the left lever doesn’t have a paddle, meaning you can’t use it to operate a dropper post.

The new Apex 1 Wide crankset features aluminum crankarms, a DUB spindle, and a direct-mount 8-bolt chainring, which is available in 40 or 42t configurations. Wolf Tooth currently offers a 38t in that mount configuration and there will likely be more options down the road. The longer DUB crank spindle fits both road and MTB width frame bottom bracket standards for compatibility with 135mm, 142mm, and Boost rear spacing.

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The Apex Eagle derailleur works with 12-speed mechanical Apex and Eagle shifters, standard Eagle chains, and has the same general design and Roller Bearing Clutch as a typical GX Eagle derailleur.

• SHIFT LEVER/DISC BRAKE (R): $245.00
• DISC BRAKE (L): $205.00
• DERAILLEUR (52t Max): $125.00
• CHAIN: $28.00
• CRANKSET: $110.00
• CASSETTE (11-50t): $108.00
• ROTORS PACELINE CLK: $108.00
• TOTAL: $929.00

SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed (44t Max)

The SRAM Apex XPLR has a few new components but looks very much like the Rival XPLR group launched last year. One of the key differences is a 400% range 11-44t cassette (vs. the 440% 10-44t Rival XPLR cassette). And it also fits 11-speed road driver bodies. The shifter and brake set are the same in this group, but it does get an all-new rear mech. The Apex XPLR derailleur is designed for use with Flattop chains and can accommodate cassettes with a 44T cog. It also works with 12-speed mechanical Apex and Eagle shifters, which is a nice touch and an interesting solution for flat-bar gravel bikes and ATBs.

• SHIFT LEVER/DISC BRAKE (R): $245.00
• DISC BRAKE (L): $205.00
• DERAILLEUR (44t Max): $125.00
• CHAIN: $30.00
• CRANKSET: $110.00
• CASSETTE (11-44t): $124.00
• ROTORS PACELINE CLK: $108.00
• TOTAL: $947.00

SRAM Apex Eagle AXS 12-speed (52t Max)

The Apex Eagle AXS group centers around the new X1 Eagle AXS derailleur, which looks quite similar to the GX AXS derailleur and may well replace it. The X1 derailleur is compatible with 50T or 52T cassettes and has the same cage lock tech and Overload Clutch as SRAM’s other AXS derailleurs. The X1 weighs 24 grams less than the GX AXS derailleur we tested according to the documentation SRAM sent over, which is impressive if it’s true.

The shifter/brake lever sets are very much like those in the Rival XPLR group with wireless eTap shifting, the same hood shape, and two-piston hydraulic brake calipers.

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• ELECTRONIC SHIFTER/DISC BRAKE (R): $220.00
• ELECTRONIC SHIFTER/DISC BRAKE (L): $220.00
• X1 DERAILLEUR (52t Max): $390.00
• CHAIN: $28.00
• CRANKSET: $110.00
• CASSETTE (11-50t): $108.00
• ROTORS PACELINE CLK: $108.00
• BATTERY: $59.00
• CHARGER: $49.00
• TOTAL: $1,292.00

SRAM Apex XPLR AXS 12-speed (44t Max)

SRAM Apex XPLR AXS group has the same shifter/levers and brakes as mentioned in the Apex Eagle group and the 11-44t cassette from the mechanical Apex XPLR kit. It gets the new Apex XPLR AXS derailleur with a comparably compact cage suited for 11-44t XPLR, 10-44t XPLR, and 10-36t cassettes.

• ELECTRONIC SHIFTER/DISC BRAKE (R): $220.00
• ELECTRONIC SHIFTER/DISC BRAKE (L): $220.00
• DERAILLEUR: $275.00
• CHAIN: $30.00
• CRANK: $110.00
• CASSETTE: $124.00
• ROTORS PACELINE CLK: $108.00
• BATTERY: $59.00
• CHARGER: $49.00
• TOTAL: $1,195.00

SRAM Apex XPLR Weights

Here’s the weights table sent over by SRAM’s marketing department…

For more details on the SRAM Apex XPLR and SRAM Apex Eagle groups, head over to SRAM.com.

Further Reading

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