Ultra Apex Eagle 1x12 700c

The current Ultra lineup is streamlined into three 1x12 builds, split between SRAM and Shimano drivetrains. The entry point is the GRX 1x12 650b model, which pairs Shimano’s mechanical gravel group with smaller-diameter wheels and wide 2.1-inch Vittoria Barzo tires to maximize the frame's off-road clearance. A similarly priced GRX 1x12 700c version swaps to larger hoops and 40mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tires for riders prioritizing rolling speed on tamer surfaces. Both GRX builds utilize a wide 10-51T cassette.

The SRAM Apex Eagle 1x12 700c build sits slightly higher in price. It features a mullet-style drivetrain combining Apex shifters with an Eagle rear derailleur and an 11-50T cassette, offering massive gearing range for steep climbs. All three builds roll on aluminum Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 wheels and feature 3T’s carbon seatpost and flared handlebars. The component choices reflect the bike's dual nature, providing the extreme gear ratios necessary for crawling up loose dirt while maintaining the aerodynamic profile intended for fast road connections.

Reviewers consistently highlight the stark contrast between the Ultra’s rigid carbon chassis and its high-volume tires. The frame itself is exceptionally stiff, delivering immediate power transfer but offering minimal inherent compliance. When ridden with narrower tires or higher pressures, the "firm carbon frame quickly reaches its comfort limits" (Granfondo) on rough terrain, with one tester noting the ride feels "dead and lifeless without a hint of springiness" (Velo).

However, maximizing the tire clearance transforms the experience. Dropping pressures on wide 650b rubber allows the tires to act as the bike's sole suspension, providing "grip for days" (Velo) on loose climbs. In this configuration, the Ultra excels on rough terrain, allowing riders to "steamroll through every rough section of gravel, roots, rocks" (YouTube). Despite the massive footprint, the bike retains a surprisingly swift character on hardpack and tarmac.

The primary criticism across reviews centers on the bike's integration. Testers frequently pointed to the top-tube cable entry, describing a "convoluted cable routing setup" (Velo) that creates noticeable friction. This routing complicates mechanical shifting and makes actuating a dropper post unusually stiff. While the frame's durability and bottom bracket stiffness are widely praised, these routing quirks demand careful setup and potentially more frequent maintenance.