105/Apex

[McFsC]

Just re-building my winter bike with 105 instead of Apex. The 105 brake set appears to be slightly too high set ( only half the block is on the rim ) which is annoying and I wouldn't like to leave it like that ideally.

The bike is a Boardman Road Comp, is there normally compatability problems or am I missing something?

[yellowjack]

Have a read of these, then make yourself a shopping list, and put the 105 callipers up for sale to try to get some of the extra outlay back...

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/long-drop-brakes....

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12...

[McFsC]

Thanks for the info, luckily the 105's are off an older bike. I now have an excuse for new bits, yipeee.

[Barchettaman]

Why are you downgrading to 105?
apex is lighter than Ultegra, and has been ridden by Contador in the Giro d'Italia.....
What an odd thing to do.

[McFsC]

You must be more bothered about weight than performance. I prefer Shimano shifters, the bike is now compatible with my race bike ( cassette, chain, wheels, brakes etc... ). Plus The brake callipers were tektro cheap things, not Apex as I first said so I would have changed them either way.

[Dixie]

I have to say that there not a deal of performance difference in them. My other halfs bike has 105/ultegra and it's not notably any better than my Apex setup.

I think SRAMs double tap system is better than the Shimano way. I dare say it affords more weight saving too.

They both work great though.

The Dura Ace bike I had a go on was noticeably better.

[McFsC]

The weight difference is totally irrelevant, it's a mouthfull of water. Performance wise, 105 is more consistant for me. The Apex needed adjusting a little bit more often but yes, they both work. The shimano stuff feels like it needs less effort to change aswell.

[Dixie]

McFsC said:

The shimano stuff feels like it needs less effort to change aswell.

Rule 5

[Barchettaman]

If the apex was going out of adjustment it probably needed better cables/housing. Gore Ride On makes a noticeable difference.
Your bike, your decision!

[McFsC]

Funny how people defend pieces of kit they like so much. If Apex was that good, noone would use 105. Some people like the feel of different things, notice other things or find certain pieces of kit more 'convinient' than others.