I'm thinking about a Roubaix, the Elite SL2 Apex Compact (cheapest of the range) vs the Comp. The px diff is about $500. Looking at the compare utility, I see the frame and fork are the same, no Zertz in the seatpost (shame but probably not worth $500), somewhat different handlebars, Fulcrum 6 (not listed on Fulcrum's own website!) on the Comp vs some Mavics on the Elite -- and the biggest difference seems to be SRAM Apex vs the 105.
I don't know much about Apex but I've noticed the cassette goes to 32t (vs. the 105's 28t). This seems nice as I might just about do with the compact crankset, whereas with Shimano's 28t I'll have to go with a triple. As long as it doesn't snap my fingers off, I suppose any groupset would be fine (?). I ride a Trek 7.3 FX now and shifting-wise it's good enough for me.
I anticipate about 50miles/week this summer and hopefully up to 100 next year.
Any thoughts?
Of course I'll ask at the LBS but it helps to look as if I have some idea of what I'm talking about.
FWIW. If the difference is primarily the components. then I would get the less expensive of the two ...
Of course, I would eschew those SRAM shifters (i.e., sell them on eBay ... a lot of wannabees think that SRAM is the way to go, so there is an inexplicable demand), ASAP, and install a set of (older) non-QS 10-speed Campagnolo shifters!
This thread did get some views so if anyone's interested ---
I've since bought an Elite SL2 Apex Compact and put about 50 miles on it. The shop had several S-Works Roubaix... those things are light! Anyway, the 32t cassette ring which I'd 'discovered' turns out to be a big deal for SRAM Apex. It did get me over some hills. (Interestingly, the cassette on my Trek FX is also SRAM 11-32t, although an 8 speed. Works just fine.) The problem I have with my gearing is cross-chaining (or possibly cage rubbing). It turns out that with the small chainring, several smallest cogs are unusable, as well as several largest ones when using the large chainring. 'Several' is about 4. Oftentimes I'm on the smaller chainring and I shift to a smaller cog in the back and it starts making those noises so I have to shift up in the front. Now, not only did I do a big jump (34 to 50) but I'd just gone to a faster gear in the back too -- most often that's too much! So I have to compensate in the back... and by the time I've settled the terrain changes again.
I'm new to this so maybe it's the deal with all the compacts. I'll ask at the shop during my first tune-up.
Otherwise everything's fine. The shifting action itself seemed a bit more pleasant than the 105 I'd test-ridden. The brakes are not Apex, they are generic (hold well though). I asked the LBS to change the handlebar to an ergo one, but I have to say the stock one had really nice big soft tops.
I don't know if this is typical of all Sram but I only lose two on my 105 equipped Raliegh. I have a triple chainring and the entire cassette is accessible from the middle (48t) chainring. Normally when you begin cross chaining, there are alternate gear combinations that will give you the same ratio without cross chaining. But I don't think that is the case if you are losing 4 cogs per chainring. I would take it back to the LBS and see if they can fix it through an adjustment.
The SL2 frame is a good frame...was the comp the same frame. Apex and 105s are sixes...have the shop do some fine tuning....they can do better than what your saying as far as adjusting your derailers. Roubaix's are major player in specialized trickle down technology. Family has three...an elite and two experts...latest is SL3 frame and it is wicked. We have enjoyed the heck out of all three. As far as components the 105s are bullet proof...Apex for being new are good as well....supposed to be great 😉for climbing.
