Why Apex XPLR Rear Derailleurs Excel on Gravel Terrain

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The SRAM Apex XPLR [paid link] rear derailleur is specifically designed to meet the demands of gravel riding. This derailleur offers a perfect balance of performance, durability, and weight savings, making it an excellent choice for cyclists tackling rough, unpredictable terrain. In this guide, we’ll explore the installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and customization of the Apex XPLR, along with a comparison to other similar models to help you optimize your gravel bike setup.

Installation of the Apex XPLR Rear Derailleur

Installing the SRAM Apex XPLR rear derailleur is straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. Begin by ensuring that you have the appropriate tools and a clean workspace.

Tools Required:

  • 5mm Allen wrench
  • 3mm Allen wrench
  • Torque wrench
  • Chain tool
  • Screwdriver (for B-screw adjustment)
  • Chain lubricant
  1. Remove the old derailleur: If you are replacing an existing derailleur, begin by shifting the chain to the smallest cog. Using the 5mm Allen wrench, remove the mounting bolt securing the derailleur to the derailleur hanger.
  2. Install the new derailleur: Attach the Apex XPLR derailleur to the derailleur hanger using the 5mm Allen bolt. Tighten it to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification.
  3. Attach the chain: Ensure the chain is threaded through the jockey wheels of the derailleur. If you’re installing a new chain, use the chain tool to remove any excess links, ensuring it’s properly sized for your drivetrain.
  4. Adjust the B-screw: Use the screwdriver to adjust the B-screw. The B-screw controls the distance between the derailleur’s jockey wheels and the cassette. Set it so that the jockey wheels are just clear of the cogs, but not so far that the derailleur struggles to shift under load.
  5. Final check: Once everything is in place, shift through all gears to check for smooth transitions and ensure that the derailleur is operating as expected.

Adjustment and Fine-Tuning

After installation, you may need to fine-tune the derailleur to ensure smooth shifting performance, especially when riding on rough gravel.

  1. Limit screws: Check the derailleur’s limit screws (marked with “L” and “H”) to ensure the derailleur doesn’t overshoot into the spokes or fall off the cassette on the smallest or largest cog.
  2. Derailleur hanger alignment: Gravel riding often involves rough terrain, and this can cause derailleur hangers to bend. Ensure the hanger is aligned correctly, as misalignment can result in poor shifting performance or chain drops.
  3. Cable tension: Adjust the cable tension by turning the barrel adjuster located where the cable enters the derailleur. Tightening the barrel adjuster increases tension, while loosening it decreases tension. Adjust until the derailleur shifts smoothly between gears.
  4. Chainline and cassette compatibility: The Apex XPLR derailleur is optimized for wide-range cassettes (up to 10-44T). Check your cassette and chainline to ensure that your drivetrain is compatible for smooth shifting.

Maintenance and Longevity

To maximize the lifespan and performance of your SRAM Apex XPLR rear derailleur, regular maintenance is crucial, especially if you ride on gravel frequently.

  1. Cleanliness: Regularly clean your derailleur, jockey wheels, and chain to prevent grit [paid link] and debris from affecting performance. A clean drivetrain reduces friction and wear, enhancing both shifting and lifespan.
  2. Lubrication: Apply lubricant to the jockey wheels and pivot points to ensure smooth operation. Be careful not to over-lubricate, as excess oil can attract dirt.
  3. Check for wear: Inspect the derailleur’s jockey wheels for any signs of wear, as these can degrade over time, especially in harsh conditions. If they are excessively worn, replace them.
  4. Cable and housing inspection: Check the condition of the derailleur cables and housing. Over time, dirt and moisture can degrade the cable, leading to sluggish shifting. Replace cables as needed, and lubricate them before installation.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Even the best derailleur systems can run into problems from time to time. If you experience issues with your Apex XPLR rear derailleur, here’s how to address the most common problems.

  1. Poor shifting performance: If shifting is sluggish or inconsistent, check the cable tension and limit screw adjustments. Ensure the derailleur hanger is aligned, and the cassette is properly installed.
  2. Chain skipping or dropping: This can occur due to misalignment of the derailleur or an improperly sized chain. Make sure the derailleur is correctly positioned and check the chain length for proper sizing.
  3. Skipping on larger cogs: If the derailleur is skipping on larger cogs, check the B-screw adjustment. A misadjusted B-screw can cause the derailleur to struggle with the larger cogs.
  4. Noisy drivetrain: Gravel riding introduces a lot of debris and dust into your drivetrain. A noisy drivetrain could indicate the need for a thorough cleaning or a misaligned derailleur.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

The Apex XPLR rear derailleur is designed with gravel riders in mind, but there are several ways to optimize its performance further.

  1. Upgrade your cassette: While the Apex XPLR works well with a 10-44T cassette, you can experiment with a wider-range cassette to fine-tune your gear ratios for more challenging gravel climbs or flatter stretches.
  2. Use a shorter cage derailleur: For riders looking to reduce weight or optimize for more responsive shifting, consider swapping out the standard cage for a shorter version, if available. This helps reduce chain slack and weight.
  3. Consider a clutch-equipped derailleur: If your Apex XPLR is not equipped with a clutch system, consider upgrading to a derailleur with a clutch. This reduces chain slap, especially on rough gravel terrain, providing a quieter and more stable ride.

Comparison with Similar Models

When choosing a derailleur for gravel riding, the SRAM Apex XPLR is often compared with other options, such as Shimano GRX or SRAM Rival.

  • SRAM Apex XPLR vs Shimano GRX: The GRX derailleur is known for its robust design and exceptional gravel-specific features. However, the Apex XPLR is lighter, offers a wider range of gearing, and is more affordable, making it a great option for riders looking for an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
  • SRAM Apex XPLR vs SRAM Rival: While both are from the same brand, the Rival series offers a higher-end build with more refined shifting. The Apex XPLR, however, excels in durability and performance for gravel terrain, offering a more budget-friendly option for serious gravel riders.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Apex XPLR is designed to work with 1x drivetrains, making it a great choice for gravel riders who want simplicity and reliability. Its compatibility with wide-range cassettes and specific chainring options ensures smooth shifting across various terrain. However, it is essential to ensure compatibility with other drivetrain components, such as the crankset, cassette, and chain. The derailleur’s design accommodates a wide range of chainrings (up to 40T), but it’s important to check the overall chainline for optimal performance.

By pairing the Apex XPLR with a compatible SRAM 1x drivetrain and ensuring the proper setup, you can achieve the best performance in gravel-specific riding conditions.