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Apex 1x11 shifting issues

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caseonline

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Servus!

I have a Giant TCX SLR1 equipped with an Apex 1x11 setup - and am not satisfied with the shifting. Cassette​ is a 10-42, chainring is a Garbaruk oval.

When shifting from a smaller cog to the next larger cog, in 75% of all cases the chain/cassette would run noisy, with a clicking sound. Solution is to shift two cogs to the larger side and go down one cog again. When doing so, the derailleur and cogs would be aligned perfectly.

As this issue is with shifting to larger cogs only, and shifting to smaller cogs is perfect, I would rule out issues with the setup and the cables. I assume that this is a problem with the shifter?!

Is this a general Apex issue?

Cheers!
Marc
 
#2 ·
Even though you rules out cables, I'd lean that direction. Sounds like an issue with set up. Indexing up vs down won't tell you that the set up is right by itself.

Has it always done this for you? Did you wreck and tweak the derraileur/hanger? How many miles on this set up? When was it last serviced? Thise questions would probably give a more clear picture.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
It's been like this from the beginning. At first I thought it as me shifting wrong. I had a hard time to get used to SRAM's Double Tap.

I have two sets of wheels - it is not related to the cassette / hub.

I did not crash the bike (so far... ;) ). And as the derailleur lines up well for every gear when shifting from the larger cog to the smaller, I would say the hanger is OK.

My thinking regarding the cable is: If the cable had to much friction, this would show when shifting to a smaller cog - assuming that the force generated by me shifting to a larger cog is way greater than the force generated by the derailleur's spring. The cable runs without sharp bends etc. and looks OK - the bike had been set up by a renowned dealership.

Could it be an issue with the derailleur's pulley wheels not having sufficient play?

Cheers,
Marc
 
#4 ·
You need to figure out if the cable is too tight... meaning check the alignment when you shif from smaller to larger. Is the chain catching on the rampa of next bigger cog, meanjng the shift went just a bit too far. Or is the cable slightly too loose, so the chain is aligned too the smaller side clicking those ramps.

I would guess the cable is just a bit too tight based on what you have said. It is possible there is an issue with the shifter, just not likely.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
I played with the cable tension already, also while riding. I have on of these Jagwire in-line adjusters. Anyhow, I will check tomorrow and let you know.

There should be a solution to this issue if it is not a general Apex issue.

Thanks,
Marc
 
#6 ·
You need to look at alignment while messing with the cable adjustment. Where is the chain on the cog? How aligned is the derrailuer? Apex is a solid griup, so this isn't an "apex thing".

Inline adjusters can get stuck. You can spin them sometimes without changing the tension. Try working with the adjuster on the rear mech.
 
#7 ·
I've been through this myself with an Apex 10 speed. The problem was cable drag. I 3d printed this weather sealed redirect pulley and it solved the problem and made shifting effort a lot less as well.
Avid used to make something like this,
and may still. If you can't find something like this commercially available, hit me up and I'll make you one for a reasonable fee.
 
#13 ·
As most people have said...it sounds a lot like a cable tension issue. If I were you, I would follow these steps to rule out cable tension:

1) Put the bike in a work stand and click the shifter as if you were shifting into a harder gear (one click on SRAM shifters) while you turn the cranks with your hand. Do this until it won't do any more clicks. It should be in the smallest cog in the back (hardest gear to pedal).

If it is not in the smallest cog, then turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to decrease tension on the cable. The derailleur should eventually be able to drop into that small cog. If it doesn't, then your hanger is bent or your limits are off and that's a whole separate conversation.

2) if it is in the smallest cog, then start going one gear at a time the other way (to the bigger cogs). My guess is that you'll notice that it's not going up to the bigger cogs as quickly as when it was dropping to smaller cogs. If this is the case, add tension to the cable by turning the barrel adjuster counter clockwise (extending it out). Do it a small amount at a time and retest. The chain should move about the same speed up and down. If you put too much tension, you'll start to notice that it will go up to bigger cogs easier, but then will have trouble coming back down to the small cogs.

This works assuming your derailleur hanger is not bent and your upper pulley wheel is the appropriate distance away from the largest cog when in the easiest gear.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Thank you all!

Not touching the in-line barrel adjuster seems to be the trick. I tightened the in-line adjuster completely (to have a solid & fixed point) and set up the shifting using the barrel adjuster at the rear derailleur only. Seems to be way better.

"Seems" only as winter broke loose again over here. Strong winds & snow made it hard to hear anything today... ;)

I hope that this has been the solution. Will see the next days when the sun comes back...

Thank you all for confirming that this is not an Apex issue.

Cheers,
Marc
 
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caseonline
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