Apex Gearing Guide
One group, multiple choices
When your bike is equipped with Apex, you're geared for all kinds of gravel riding. We know the definition of "gravel" varies from rider to rider, so Apex provides a wide variety of 1x12 drivetrain options. Whether you want to go wireless with AXS or stick to cables with mechanical, there's an Apex configuration for you. Find yours in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Determine your ideal gearing.
Step 2: Choose your Apex build.
Apex Eagle AXS
If adventure is calling, we recommend answering with Apex and Eagle to get mountain bike range on your drop bar bike. For easy wireless setup, Apex AXS controllers will communicate with any Eagle AXS derailleur.
Compatible cassettes: 11-50T for splined driver body, and 10-50T or 10-52T for XD driver body
Apex Eagle mechanical
Our 12-speed technology also comes in mechanical form for those seeking a cable-actuated adventure. The Apex Eagle rear derailleur works with 12-speed mechanical Apex shifters. Just add an Eagle cassette and chain to party on without plugging in.
Compatible cassettes: 11-50T for splined driver body, and 10-50T or 10-52T for XD driver body
Apex XPLR AXS
Should you crave the versatility to pound pavement and gravel equally, an XPLR setup may be more your style. Apex XPLR AXS gives you an uncluttered wireless drivetrain with wide enough range for tough climbs and tight enough jumps for final sprints.
Compatible cassettes: 11-44T for splined driver body, and 10-36T or 10-44T for XDR driver body
Apex XPLR mechanical
From commuting during the week, to getting lost on gravel all weekend, Apex XPLR-equipped bikes can do it all. With classic DoubleTap mechanical shifting, you'll have all the gears you need and nothing more.
Compatible cassettes: 11-44T for splined driver body, and 10-44T for XDR driver body
Step 3: Add some flair and have some fun.
Go ahead and bling out your Apex bike with rainbow bits. You can totally mix and match lots of upper-level SRAM components with Apex. Yes, the rainbow XX1 Eagle chain and cassette will play nice with your Apex Eagle derailleur and look even nicer while doing so. And yes, you can use any Flattop chain with any Apex XPLR drivetrain. You can even upgrade to a power meter. Whatever makes your ride more fun, Apex will get the job done.