The Most Common Apex Chainring Problems and How to Solve Them

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in Apex, Chainring, SRAM

SRAM’s Apex chainrings [paid link] are a popular choice among road cyclists looking for a reliable, budget-friendly drivetrain solution. However, like any bike component, they are not immune to wear and mechanical issues. From poor shifting performance to excessive noise, these problems can degrade your ride quality if left unaddressed.

In this guide, we’ll go over the most common Apex chainring issues and how to fix them to keep your drivetrain running smoothly.

1. Chain Skipping or Poor Shifting Performance

One of the most common problems with Apex chainrings [paid link] is chain skipping, which can lead to inconsistent shifting or even dangerous misfires while pedaling hard.

Possible Causes

  • Worn Chainring Teeth: Over time, the teeth on the chainring wear down, making it difficult for the chain to engage properly.
  • Stretched Chain: A worn-out chain can fail to mesh with the chainring teeth, causing skipping.
  • Misaligned Front Derailleur: If the derailleur is not correctly positioned, it may struggle to shift the chain onto the chainring.
  • Loose or Bent Chainring Bolts: If the bolts are not properly torqued, the chainring may flex, leading to shifting problems.

How to Fix It

  1. Inspect the Chainring Teeth: If they are excessively worn (shark-tooth shape), replace the chainring.
  2. Check the Chain for Wear: If the chain is stretched beyond 0.5% (using a chain wear gauge), replace it.
  3. Align the Front Derailleur: Make sure the cage is parallel to the chainrings and adjusted for proper height.
  4. Tighten Chainring Bolts: Use a torque wrench [paid link] to ensure all bolts are secure (usually 8-10 Nm for SRAM chainrings).

2. Noisy Pedaling or Creaking Sounds

A loud drivetrain can be annoying and indicate underlying issues with your chainring.

Possible Causes

  • Dry or Dirty Chainring Bolts: Friction between bolts and the crank spider can cause creaking.
  • Loose Chainring Bolts: If the bolts aren’t torqued properly, the chainring can shift slightly under load.
  • Worn Bottom Bracket: A worn-out bottom bracket can cause creaking noises, sometimes mistaken for chainring issues.

How to Fix It

  1. Clean and Lubricate the Chainring Bolts: Apply a small amount of grease or thread locker to prevent movement.
  2. Retorque the Bolts: Ensure they are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  3. Check the Bottom Bracket: If the noise persists, inspect the bottom bracket for wear and replace it if necessary.

3. Premature Chainring Wear

If your Apex chainring is wearing out faster than expected, something may be accelerating its degradation.

Possible Causes

  • Lack of Regular Cleaning: Dirt and grime act as abrasives, wearing down the chainring teeth faster.
  • Poor Lubrication: A dry or improperly lubricated chain accelerates wear.
  • Riding Cross-Chained: Frequently using extreme gear combinations puts excessive stress on the chainring teeth.

How to Fix It

  1. Clean Your Drivetrain Regularly: Use a degreaser and a brush to remove buildup.
  2. Lubricate Your Chain Properly: Use a high-quality chain lube and wipe off excess.
  3. Avoid Cross-Chaining: Shift to a more efficient gear combination to reduce stress on the chainring.

4. Chain Drop and Inconsistent Engagement

A dropped chain can be frustrating and potentially dangerous during high-intensity rides.

Possible Causes

  • Worn Narrow-Wide Profile (1x Setup): If using a single chainring setup, worn narrow-wide teeth won’t hold the chain properly.
  • Front Derailleur Not Adjusted Correctly (2x Setup): A poorly aligned derailleur can throw the chain off the chainring.
  • Loose or Worn Chain: An overly stretched or improperly tensioned chain can derail easily.

How to Fix It

  1. Check Chainring Wear: If the narrow-wide pattern is worn down, replace the chainring.
  2. Adjust the Front Derailleur: Set the limit screws correctly to prevent the chain from dropping.
  3. Replace a Stretched Chain: If the chain is past its wear limit, replace it to prevent further issues.

5. Incompatibility Issues with Other Components

Not all cranksets and chainrings work well together. If your Apex chainring doesn’t seem to fit right or is causing drivetrain inconsistencies, it may be due to compatibility problems.

Possible Causes

  • Incorrect BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter): Using a chainring with the wrong BCD won’t mount properly.
  • Mismatched Speed Ratings: SRAM Apex chainrings [paid link] are designed for 10-speed and 11-speed drivetrains. Using the wrong chain can cause poor shifting.
  • Non-Compatible Crankset: If your crankset isn’t designed for SRAM Apex chainrings, the spacing or alignment may be incorrect.

How to Fix It

  1. Verify BCD Compatibility: Make sure your chainring matches the crankset’s BCD (typically 110mm for SRAM Apex).
  2. Use the Correct Chain: If you’re running an 11-speed drivetrain, use an 11-speed chain for optimal performance.
  3. Check Crankset Compatibility: Ensure your crankset is designed to work with Apex chainrings.

Conclusion

SRAM Apex chainrings are durable and reliable, but they still require proper maintenance and setup to perform their best. By addressing common issues like chain skipping, noisy pedaling, premature wear, chain drops, and compatibility problems, you can keep your drivetrain running smoothly for years.

For more road bike maintenance tips, be sure to check out our other in-depth guides on keeping your drivetrain in peak condition!

Related Guides

For additional drivetrain maintenance and troubleshooting, check out these articles: