Hello, I'm running an Apex setup on my gravel bike, 40T front to 11-42T back. Could I swap in an 11-46T Shimano cassette (11-speed all round)? Just considering options, as my Apex 11 speed cranks don't go lower than 40T
Location: Parañaque, Philippines
Generally 11 speed cassette systems are interchangeable, these use the Shimano HG Casette Free hub Body, right now I have a 11 speed SRAM Force Casette on a Shimano 105 set up groupset. a side note though, Shimano MTB Groupset cassettes are usually shorter by .1mm versus road and gravel setups, when you purchase the cogs it'll come with a small spacer so make sure to put it in so you won't encounter any problem with the indexing of your derailleur
you should be able to swap in an 11-46T Shimano cassette with your Apex setup. Check the max cog capacity. To fit an 11 46T cassette, you may need a derailluer hanger extender or a Roadlink for that extra reach for larger cogs. Second thing. check the freehub body type of your setup and make sure it matches the SHimano cassette.