BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Hot on the heels of its new MTB brake platform launch, SRAM has announced an Apex1 full hydraulic 1×11 drivetrain, aimed at gravel riding and cyclo cross, with a SRAM 1x set up.
This entry level group-set comes 18 months after the first appearance of the 1×11 drive-chain on the Force1 and Rival1 platforms, now common in gravel and cyclocross, with the elimination of the front derailleur but the benefit of ever greater security of reduced chain slap which prevents the chain coming off.
The new SRAM Apex1 drivetrain includes a S350 XSync 42t crank-set with separate chain-ring options of 38, 40, 44T. The Apex1 derailleur offers Roller Bearing Clutch tech and is compatible with 10-speed and 11-speed SRAM 1x road systems. The 11-42t cassette will fit onto any freehub body meaning there is no need for an XD driver body equipped hub, making it cheaper and easier to switch to a 1x drivetrain.
Flat-bar fitness bikes have not been neglected with an introduction of an Apex1 trigger shifter for this category, which is suited for the easy-to-use 1×11.
Tim Bayley, Fisher Road brand manager, said: "We are really excited about this drivetrain. cyclo cross has been growing each year and with the advent of gravel riding and new off road sportive rides taking place, the time is right to grow the 1x hydraulic drop bar category. Apex1 is a perfect fit for the UK and with the option to upgrade an existing SRAM mechanical drivetrain to a hop up kit with the purchase of a chain-ring, rear derailleur and cassette from £192, the consumer has a real reason to update their existing bike.”
Fisher is taking pre-orders on the SRAM Apex1 drive train and top up kits with delivery into dealers in June.
