I’m narrowing my decision between the SC 7.0 and the P2 - impressed by both Rides - however tell me why Apex is on the 7.0 and the Ultegra is on the P2? Is it that much of a difference? It seems to me the the 6700 is two steps above the Apex ? Am I reading way too much into it?
I hope I don’t offend any SC riders - I’m just looking for a reason as to why it’s that much more with what appears to be lower quality components. Notice I said appears hahahha.
I’m leaning towards the SC but can’t get around this issue.
In regards to functionality they are similar in my opinion. Since your not comparing STI shifters I think the preference between sram and shimano isn’t as big of a deal unless your a die hard for one of the brands. Both look great, but I would probably replace the compact crank.
the Apex group is fairly similar to the SRAM Rival group, just heavier (Apex RD has a longer arm and can handle larger cassette cogs).
Rival is comparable to Shimano 105…so you are right about ultegra being about 2 levels higher. In my opinion, the reason Trek is offering the SC 7.0 with SRAM Apex group (and some really heavy Bontrager wheels) is just to get the absolute lowest price point for the SC 7 series…you know, to take on Cervelo for Tri Bike Supremecy. If you ask me, I think having the Apex group on a high end frame doesn’t make much sense. There are countless Slowtwitchers on here who are buying the 7.0 and upgrading the components, wheels, bars, etc. Essentially getting it just for the frame. But if they didn’t offer the 7.0 as it is, they would be eliminating a lot of potential buyers like yourself who would be opting for a P2.
I bet if anyone wanted to pick up an Apex group, there are plenty out there for a good price
Thanks Bradmu - I agree it’s just for the frame which to Trek’s credit is outstanding marketing on their part and is what has got me very interested.
But if I was going to upgrade the components on the 7.0 - might as well go down the road of a P3. I know I am likely just splitting hairs and a couple of hundred bucks, but just want the most value for my buck.
the Apex group is fairly similar to the SRAM Rival group, just heavier (Apex RD has a longer arm and can handle larger cassette cogs).
Rival is comparable to Shimano 105…so you are right about ultegra being about 2 levels higher. In my opinion, the reason Trek is offering the SC 7.0 with SRAM Apex group (and some really heavy Bontrager wheels) is just to get the absolute lowest price point for the SC 7 series…you know, to take on Cervelo for Tri Bike Supremecy. If you ask me, I think having the Apex group on a high end frame doesn’t make much sense. There are countless Slowtwitchers on here who are buying the 7.0 and upgrading the components, wheels, bars, etc. Essentially getting it just for the frame. But if they didn’t offer the 7.0 as it is, they would be eliminating a lot of potential buyers like yourself who would be opting for a P2.
I bet if anyone wanted to pick up an Apex group, there are plenty out there for a good price
I do agree the wheels are crap, but any sub 4k bike will have crap wheels.
Like you, I was torn with the exact same problem. However, you can’t compare SRAM and Shimano comparatively. Shimano uses last years technology and trickles down from Dura Ace, whereas SRAM uses the same technology for each groupset the only difference is weight (and Apex is designed for high gears to replace a triple).
When I got my Seven.Zero I was going to swap out the group, but I really don’t feel the need at this point. Initially I was not sold on Apex but I did a ton research and there is not alot of negatives about it. I’m slowly upgrading it but more for weight weenism more than anything.
For tri bikes its not that big of a difference. Road levers its all about if you like the different shifting and lever feel. I like both but prefer Sram on my cross bike due to the brake lever not moving left to right.
From when i have used rival it only lasted 6 months of heavy use even when fully serviced, where as ive had ultergra with similar if not more use after 18months now and still works perfectly.
Does 50g really matter if the components are nots as stiff (which is tbh the most important of a groupset) and the longer cage rear mech will shift much worse
