SRAM have introduced incremental changes to their X0 mountain and Apex road groupsets for 2012, which include new chainring options for the former, new flat-bar controls for the latter and new colors for both.
The X0 mountain bike group gets two new chainring options, meant for use with heavier-duty trail bikes and 29ers. The new rings fit to a 64/104mm spider, which keeps the chainline the same as the XX double at 49.5mm, and are offered in 24/38 or 22/36-tooth chainring combinations. Both eschew the X-Glide chainring design introduced with XX.
There's also a new front derailleur with a shorter cage that accommodates the smaller chainrings without interfering with the chainstay or 29er tires. “We worked really hard to get our shifting performance high and we don’t want to backpedal on that, so we'll still offer the standard [X-Glide options],” said Chris Hilton, SRAM’s mountain drivetrain product manager.
SRAM's new X0 Silver rear derailleur features a polished aluminum linkage, inner pulley cage and metallic decals
SRAM will offer the new rings with cranks, alone and as a package with the spider for those who already have X0 cranks. They'll be available with or without a chain guard: carbon cranks equipped with the new ring sizes have the option of a carbon chain guide and the alloy models will come with the option of an alloy guide.
Also new to 2012 X0 is a silver colour option, with polished brake levers, calipers, derailleur knuckles and crank spiders, plus metal foil decals on the crank and rear derailleur.
SRAM offer Apex in ‘Alpine White’
SRAM continue to add to their graphics options in 2012 with a new color for the Apex WiFLi road group, called Alpine White, which will be available 1 June. The white graphics package plays upon the success of the recently released LTE Red group and the new Black RED option.
SRAM's Apex comes in a new Arctic White painted finish
SRAM will add color matched 10-speed flat bar shifters and brake levers that work with the road caliper brake levers for the coming model year. SRAM’s PR manager, Michael Zellmann, told us the new color options have proved popular, with many manufacturers liking the ability to match a group to a bike’s aesthetic package.
