Nederlands | English | Deutsch | Türkçe

Project Sports

Questions and answers about sports

Difference between Shimano GRX400 and SRAM Apex

5 min read

Asked by: Amy Morgan

SRAM Apex comes in 1×11, Shimano GRX 400 is 1×10 or 2×10. SRAM uses the small shift lever for both up and downshifts.

What is SRAM Apex equivalent to in Shimano?

Shimano Tiagra

SRAM Apex – The entry-level SRAM groupset is equivalent to Shimano Tiagra. Apex comes in a compact setup (small chainrings at the front, big at the back) or 1x making it a very training and leisure focussed set up rather than an out and out road race one.

Is GRX better than apex?

The gravel bike – Shimano GRX doesn’t have a simple task



Before that, the majority of us were riding with two chainrings), and Apex is the undisputed gravel king when it comes to price/quality ratio of the components.

Is SRAM Apex compatible with Shimano?

SRAM’s cassettes and chains are compatible with all of Shimano’s groupsets, and vice versa. Likewise, Shimano and SRAM buyers have the freedom to mix different levels of chains and cassettes so long as they are designed for the same kind of transmission.

Are SRAM Apex any good?

Overall, we found the SRAM Apex groupset ideal for entry-level riding. And it’s pretty darn good for more demanding riders too, or with more expertise, especially those that sometimes need lower gears.

Is Apex 1 A good groupset?

The Apex is a great option for anyone looking for reliable performance with plenty of value, but the Rival is more appealing as a mid-range groupset with good performance across the board.

What are the differences between Shimano and SRAM?

The key difference between SRAM and Shimano groupsets is the shifting actuation – the distance between shifts relative to the lever index. Shimano’s 1:2 ratio means the cable and derailleur move further during each shift.

What is the SRAM equivalent of Shimano GRX?

SRAM famously touts their Eagle cassette with either 500% or 520% range. Campagnolo Ekar isn’t too far behind with a 467% range, roughly equivalent to a Shimano GRX 2x drivetrain.

Is Shimano GRX compatible with SRAM?

Dropper support for 1× mechanical groupsets



If you’re looking to fit a dropper to a SRAM-equipped gravel bike, the new levers should make doing so much easier, and this change brings SRAM’s mechanical offerings up to speed with Shimano GRX, which already supports droppers.

What is Shimano GRX equivalent to?

Basically, there are 3 levels of Shimano GRX: RX800 equivalent to Ultegra, in a mechanical version and Di2, 2×11 or 1×11 drivetrain. RX600 equivalent to the 105, 2×11 or 1×11 drivetrain. RX400 equivalent to Tiagra 2×10.

Does SRAM Apex have a clutch?

SRAM’s Apex® 1 drivetrain provides the gear range and the shifting simplicity to let you simply go where you want. The Apex 1 rear derailleur makes that gearing choice a reality with clean, crisp shifts, thanks to SRAM’s X-HORIZON™ geometry and our ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™.

Can you mix SRAM and Shimano brakes?

Most importantly, YOU CANNOT mix Shimano and SRAM hydraulic brake parts. It’s more than a performance issue — it’s a safety issue. Shimano brakes employ mineral oil as hydraulic fluid, whereas SRAM uses DOT brake fluid. Those are incompatible — one is insoluble in water, and the other is water soluble.

Can I put a SRAM cassette on a Shimano hub?

Using SRAM cassettes with Shimano drivetrains and vice versa



If it’s not possible to get the freehub body for your hub that fits the cassette that you want, it is possible to play mix and match between SRAM and Shimano 12-speed cassettes.

Is SRAM Apex road or MTB?

mountain bike

When the SRAM Apex groupset appeared on the scene in late 2010 it heralded the start of a gearing revolution. By using all its experience creating mountain bike gearsets, with Apex SRAM was able to fit — for the first time on a road bike — cassettes with up to 32 teeth on the biggest sprocket.

Is SRAM Apex Hydraulic?

The Apex 1 shift/brake levers feature reach adjustment, completely new hydraulic internal parts and optimised ergonomics for better finger reach. The perfect setup for ultimate control in any situation.

Is SRAM Apex compatible with NX?

The NX crank is conveniently compatible with all SRAM 1x drivetrains, providing a low-cost option no matter your setup.

What is the SRAM equivalent of Shimano GRX?

SRAM famously touts their Eagle cassette with either 500% or 520% range. Campagnolo Ekar isn’t too far behind with a 467% range, roughly equivalent to a Shimano GRX 2x drivetrain.

What is Shimano GRX equivalent to?

Basically, there are 3 levels of Shimano GRX: RX800 equivalent to Ultegra, in a mechanical version and Di2, 2×11 or 1×11 drivetrain. RX600 equivalent to the 105, 2×11 or 1×11 drivetrain. RX400 equivalent to Tiagra 2×10.

Is tiagra better than 105?

Tiagra offers excellent value for money but 105 is certainly the better groupset and we’d recommend going for it if your funds allow because of the better brakes, the small weight saving and the upgrade to 11-speed.

Is Ultegra better than 105?

Conclusion. There is no longer any real technological difference between 105 and Ultegra, and the only real difference is that Ultegra is a lighter groupset.

Why is Dura-Ace better than Ultegra?

The only difference to the Dura-Ace is an extra bit of weight. Generally speaking, the Ultegra is seen as the most premium versatile groupset available from Shimano – the Dura-Ace being purely race-focused – due to its mammoth range of gears.

What is the Shimano hierarchy?

The genuine contenders for Shimano begin in the 11- and 12-speed options, which include Deore, SLX, Deore XT, and XTR. These drivetrains are reliable trail groupsets that maintain very similar characteristics, but they vary slightly in features and materials the higher up you go.