Sram Groupset with Shimano Cassette?

muro-buro

I'm planning on getting either a new Shimano 105 or Sram Apex groupset. But I can't decide. Shimano would be the simple option as I'm running with a shimano hub and I don't want to change my wheels, but I was wondering is it possible to run a shimano cassette with the Apex groupset? I think it is possible as long you the shifters and derailleurs are kept the same but I'm not 100% sure?

Also with either the 105 or Apex I would like to go with compact 50-34 and 11-28 which seems to be quite an unusual setup to some people, but in my head it seems to make sense? Anyone else run with this setup?

Apex pros: I like the overall look of the apex but not sure if I can run the shimano cassette.

Shimano pros: I like the internal shifter cables and it would all be 100% compatible.

I really can't decide?

Any advice?

Garry H

Yes, you can run the shimano cassette with the Sram set up.

muro-buro

Ah, great I think that is swaying me more towards the Apex. Thanks.

geebee2

Err.. you can run either a SRAM cassette or a Shimano one, they are interchangeable.

You can fit the SRAM cassette onto your existing wheel ( requires a chainwhip and a cassette tool, a 2 minute job ).

Since you will have a new chain in the groupset, that's preferable if the Shimano cassette is quite worn.

geoff93

A SRAM cassette is designed to be used on a shimano comptable hub...

muro-buro

Feel a bit stupid now! For some reason I was thinking you needed a sram hub?! I forgot the difference was only really between the campag and shimano!

So I guess thats another tick on the Apex side.

Thanks.

robdaykin

I'm running a 2009 50/34 SRAM Force with the 11-28 cassette.

It works.. just. WIth the Force derailleur it's designed to work with the 28, and it only just fits with the B screw wound to it's full extent. However you cannot shift below 50/22 without the derailleur lifting up into the cassette, which rules out the top 2ratios (25 and 28). I know you're not supposed to do cross shift that far, but you can't get away with it at all. That said, the Apex claims to support the 32t with the mid cage, so it may be fine with the 28 across the range.

Personally I really like the SRAM Doubletap, it's crisp and fast. The gap between the gears is maybe a little wide on the 11-28, and I do find myself hunting (shifting up and down to find the right gear on the flat) on occasion. It's only losing out on 1 gear compared to my road triple, and given the weight difference in bikes, that's fine.

So far it's been low maintenance, though I've not done huge miles on it due to illness and injury since I got it.

hope that helps

Rob

muro-buro

Cheers rob, that makes sense. With sram's apex claims I think it should be fine. I currently have 50-34 and 12-25 and I just feel I need that little bit higher and a also bit lower in the gear range, so the 11-28 seemed like a good idea. Suppose I should just go with 11-26 really. I think I just liked the idea of that extra low gear to get me up the big hills.

tour newbie

muro-buro wrote:

Suppose I should just go with 11-26 really. I think I just liked the idea of that extra low gear to get me up the big hills.

I wouldn't necessarily rule out the 11-28, it depends on the profile of routes you're going to be riding.

If we're talking Sram, the first 7 sprockets are the same on both cassettes anyway (11,12,13,14,15, 17,19). Then, instead of 21, 23, 26 you'll have 22, 25, 28. The extra 2 teeth could make the difference between staying on or dismounting.

muro-buro

If we're talking Sram, the first 7 sprockets are the same on both cassettes anyway (11,12,13,14,15, 17,19). Then, instead of 21, 23, 26 you'll have 22, 25, 28. The extra 2 teeth could make the difference between staying on or dismounting.

Good point, This is all quite new to me so I have just started to get my head around gearing ratios, so from what I have learnt, I think I will go with the 11-28. Infact I'm off to the shop now! Cheers.[/quote]