SRAM APEX AXS Review: Electronic Shifting for Everyone!

“Apex is the group that knows how to have a good time. Wide-range 1x12 gearing for gravel, bikepacking, adventure, casual cruises, and everything in between. Whether with wireless AXS or classic DoubleTap mechanical shifting, Apex provides smooth and reliable shifting, chain retention, and controlled and powerful hydraulic braking. Apex is simple to understand and easy to use, keeping the focus on what matters most – finding the fun.“ - Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:47 SRAM Apex eTap AXS 2:31 How SRAM eTap AXS Shifting Works 2:53 AXS Phone App 3:07 Brake Hood Comfort 3:35 Rear Derailleur & Cassettes 4:22 Apex 1 Wide Crankset 4:46 Powermeter 5:01 Chain Retention System (Clutch) 5:13 Batteries 6:03 System Sleep Mode 6:23 Wireless Blip Integration 6:36 Brakes 6:53 Brake Lever Feel 7:16 AXS Phone App Firmware Updates 7:28 Component Weights 7:45 SRAM XPLR Drivetrain Concept 8:22 Groupset Value 9:08 Mix & Match AXS Components 9:27 Perfect for 1x & Beginners 10:19 Retrogrouches 10:54 Advantages of Electronic Shifting 11:19 SRAM has Mechanical Options 11:35 Wrapping Up 12:47 General Madness APEX AXS SHIFT-BRAKE SYSTEM “Smooth and powerful hydraulic braking mated to 12-speed wireless, intuitive shifting is an unbeatable combo at any level. An optimized hood shape fits all hand sizes for comfortable and controlled braking from the hoods and the drops. Shifting is as easy as ever: one paddle to go to an easier gear, and one to go harder. Nothing extra, nothing distracting.“ - AXS enabled for easy wireless setup, personalization, and reliability - eTap shift logic for intuitive wireless shifting - Hydraulic disc brakes for power and modulation - Optimized hood shape fits a wide range of hand sizes - Textured shift paddles and hoods for control and comfort - Reach Adjust to personalize fit for more hand sizes APEX XPLR AXS REAR DERAILLEUR “The Apex XPLR AXS rear derailleur fits wide-range cassettes with 36T or 44T large cogs and incorporates a spring clutch for flawless chain management on or off-road. Innovative and intuitive eTap shift logic and AXS connectivity keeps Apex delightfully distraction-free.“ - AXS enabled for easy wireless setup, monitoring, personalization, and reliability - 1x specific for use with 11-44 T XPLR, 10-44T XPLR, and 10-36T cassettes - Chain management keeps the drivetrain quiet and secure APEX AXS CRANKARM POWER METER UPGRADE “Accurate, reliable power measurement is practically a requirement these days, and the Apex AXS crankarm power meter upgrade is the easiest way to get precise power numbers. With the tech hidden inside the DUB spindle, it fits almost any bike while remaining stealthy.“ - DUB-PWR spindle-based unit measures left side power to calculate total watts - Proven reliability and accuracy - Long battery life (400 hours) to power a season of rides - User replaceable AAA lithium battery - DUB bottom bracket adds durability and simplicity - Waterproof (IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes) - Lightweight (less than 40g heavier than standard crankset) Links of Interest: SRAM - SRAM APEX AXS & Mechanical Groupsets: Less $$$ for 12-Speed - SRAM Rival eTap AXS Long-Term Review - SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE Wireless Electronic Drivetrain Review - Gravel Bike Tyre / Tire Pressure Guidelines - Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library - Amazon Affiliation Link: No cost to you, but every purchase made helps keep Gravel Cyclist up and running! - Web: Facebook: Instagram - Twitter -