Hydraulic Groupset on a Budget: LTWOO RX at 2000km

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
  • L-TWOO’s new hydraulic groupsets are incredible value, but how do they stand up to long term use?
    SIROKO CLOTHING - 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/tracevelo
    So i’ve been using the L-TWOO RX 2x12 speed carbon groupset on my road bike for the last 6 months, and I've clocked up just over 2000km. I bought it from AliExpress, and compared to the mainstream options like Shimano 105 or Ultegra, it is VERY competitive in terms of price, but should you consider it?
    The groupset was very easy to install, and It has been performing really well overall. The braking performance of the hydraulic disc brakes has been incredible, and the hoods are also very comfortable.
    However it’s not perfect, and there are a couple of things worth delving into. The shifting performance, while good, does need some tweaking. The calipers have corroded slightly, and the shifters did initially rattle. BUT I still think it is an incredible option for a budget carbon road bike in 2023.
    In this episode, I’ll give you a rundown of the groupset, demonstrate you what to look out for, and show you why it has impressed me so much!
    L-TWOO RX Build video:
    • Worth the extra cost? ...
    Grub screw & rattling shifter fix:
    • INCREDIBLE 1x12 gravel...
    Groupset links:
    R9 - 11 speed: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE1...
    RX - 12 speed: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmQ...
    GRT gravel - 12 speed: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdC...
    GR9 gravel - 11 speed: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCe...
    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Start
    00:39 - Context - Why should I care?
    01:38 - The good stuff - Installation
    02:45 - The good stuff - Braking performance
    03:23 - The good stuff - Comfort
    03:57 - Other stuff - Rattling shifters
    06:31 - Other stuff - Shifting performance
    07:59 - Shifting Demo
    09:21 - Other stuff - Corrosion
    10:48 - Other stuff - Snapping levers
    12:28 - Tips and Tricks
    14:27 - Caliper Teardown
    15:47 - Conclusion
    Intro roll:
    Created by Dev Joshi - www.go2dev.co.uk
    Instagram: / tracevelo
    Email: tracevelouk@gmail.com
    Please note:
    With the exception of Siroko, all products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.
    In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
    In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!
  • Sport

Komentáře • 513

  • @andyamos8594
    @andyamos8594 Před rokem +287

    Luke, you are THE reference for chinese bike part reviews! When the likes of Shimano and Sram are hitting the clouds with hi tech, high prices, an increasing number of us mortals are looking to you for the more down to Earth affordable alternatives! Keep them coming!!

    • @TraceVelo
      @TraceVelo  Před rokem +47

      Thanks Andy! Yeah now I just need to get my hands on the ERX electronic groupo from L-TWOO!!!!

    • @KeakiLp
      @KeakiLp Před rokem +1

      ​@@TraceVeloIsn't a 105 di2 even cheaper?

    • @rosomak8244
      @rosomak8244 Před rokem +9

      There is NOTHING hi-tech about bikes. It's all quite lower end technology compared to cars or moto-cycles. It is all just an exercise in excessive marketing.

    • @jamble7k
      @jamble7k Před rokem +1

      ​@@rosomak8244indeed but its interesting to see cheap stuff coming out of China

    • @mlee6050
      @mlee6050 Před rokem

      There is me, just a mortal going trek Emonda ALR with SRAM red axs and axs dropper (building myself)

  • @chinitoreno
    @chinitoreno Před rokem +50

    Trace Velo is definitely up there as one of CZcams's go-to cycling channels, with all the quality reviews and builds Luke has put up in his videos through the years. Definitely, I would be one to vouch for the knowledge I gained from watching these quirky vids that entertain me so much. No matter what happens Luke, we'll always be here to leave baguettes in the comment section in every upload. 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

    • @BloodyClash
      @BloodyClash Před rokem +1

      exactly. also his enthusiasm is so nice to watch. you don't get that scamaroni feeling you get from many other channels

    • @dylan-5287
      @dylan-5287 Před rokem +1

      😊

    • @FlorezGarage
      @FlorezGarage Před rokem

      Trying brand named bike gear during Holliday's??what a disappointment 😂😂😂 the baguette army will get you 🥖🥖🥖🥖
      Thanks for your videos!

  • @belverticale
    @belverticale Před rokem +100

    Yes right I agree...it's the 12-speed arms race that's frustrating...go for the 11-speed mechanical so the indexing isn't so sensitive. 2 x 11 is absolutely fine gearing wise, even with a wide range 11 - 34 as they keep the jumps small down at business end of the cassette. Also good luck with going full-time on the channel...the videos are superb and you've nearly cracked 100k subscribers. Live long and prosper, chief.

    • @TraceVelo
      @TraceVelo  Před rokem +15

      Thanks Simon, yeah totally with you. 12 speed on electronic groupsets make sense, on mechanical it's a bit of a marketing gimmick. It can work, and I actually tuned the shifting up a little more after editing this video, so it is pretty much perfect, but it's just so finicky. 11 speed is still where it's at for mechanical groupsets!

    • @chris1275cc
      @chris1275cc Před rokem

      It also locks you out of certain gear ranges too if you are on an HG freehub, for Gravel basically it's 50T+ cassette mullet or nothing. I almost made this mistake I had The GRT in the basket, then went looking for a 12 speed HG 11-40 and they don't exist! Ironically having the 1 extra gear would have given me 2 less usable gears.

    • @DanikoLP
      @DanikoLP Před rokem

      @@TraceVelo For the crankset I would always buy something used with a (best case) spider Powermeter or a simple Ultegra/105 crankset and a Stages/4iiii left power meter crank. @Trace Velo Are the Shimano based Stages/4iiii left sided power meter cranks compatible with Sensaticx-Cranksets, like the included PR4 crankset from them? This would be phenomenal. From the pictures, it looks very Shimano like. What inner bottom bracket do they actually use in this shimano styled crankset, because they also have real SRAM dub cranksets as I've seen.

    • @veganpotterthevegan
      @veganpotterthevegan Před rokem +3

      I have a Ratio Technology 12sp ratchet in old 11sp Red shifters and the indexing is extremely simple and I'm not doing regular adjustments.

    • @chris1275cc
      @chris1275cc Před rokem

      ​@@DanikoLPThat's good timing. I was just servicing my PR4 and happened to have a new Ultegra crank nearby (waiting for a frame to go in) I checked and the arm does fit on the PR4. I put one on my gravel bike during the "parts shortage" (over 16000km on it so far no issues) It uses a standard 24mm spindle the BB I'm running a Hope BSA (road).
      The PR4 is a little heavy, in many ways its a bit like an old Shimano MTB crank with a narrow Q-Factor, but I see no reason to swap it out for the GRX I originally wanted unless it fails or wears out. By that time I might actually be able to buy a GRX in 165!

  • @Arnoud115
    @Arnoud115 Před rokem +35

    I think the corrosion might have to do with galvanic corrosion due to brake dust from the pads. The pads have different metals in them as compared to the nut. When these differently charged metals come into contact an electrochemical process starts, causing the corrosion. This will be accelerated by the presence of salt, acting as a good electronic and ionic conductor.

    • @michaelrowave
      @michaelrowave Před rokem +2

      Also, Shimano paints the bolts and the nuts above the threads as well. Road salt would explain it being on downward side and simply a mild coating that was easily affected. I live by saltwater so galvanic corrosion is a daily condition.

    • @theonemanopinion2764
      @theonemanopinion2764 Před rokem

      It will be galvanic corrosion from the difference in metals between the calliper and the bolt. One will be steel and the other aluminium. The zinc coating on the bolt will be the sacrificial material. The callipers would dissolve if not.

  • @cunvericht
    @cunvericht Před rokem +22

    Couldn't agree more on the 11 speed spec. I can't justify the jump to 12. Also appreciated the look inside the caliper to show the guts. Keep up the great videos 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

    • @TraceVelo
      @TraceVelo  Před rokem +4

      Yeah with any mechanical groupset, I wouldn't bother right now, stick with 11 for sure!

    • @studio61hairboutique
      @studio61hairboutique Před rokem

      Wow I just ordered it the 12 speed before watching this video ! Hopefully it be fine !

    • @MoiseCoulon17
      @MoiseCoulon17 Před 10 měsíci

      @Tracevelo - Brillant videos and work, love the format of your videos and the CZcams comments from the community also very valuable. Having read near most on this video, it seems to me that: a)divided opinions on need for 12 speed need be investigated in further videos, but I think it should be 10 x 2 vs 11 x 2 vs 12 x1 where the 12 x 1 use a casette like 9-46(xdr drive). ...and b) 12 speed being finicky on the l-twoo shifters to be explored further as good comment suggestions include use of special 12 speed campagnolo cables and use of shimano grx derailleur and caliper.

  • @eeul
    @eeul Před rokem +15

    Hey Luke, it's really touching how upfront you were about whats a stressful move away from 'regular employment'. The community has always admired your willingness to take risks and impart the knowledge (good or bad) that comes with the well documented experience you publish. Congratulations again for following what you believe in🥖❤

  • @HindsightFPV
    @HindsightFPV Před rokem +2

    You're doing a great job, I don't even ride road bikes. I watch because I find you entertaining. I ride mountain bikes but I like to keep up to date on things in the cycling industry and you fit the bill perfectly. 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

  • @lunatala2017
    @lunatala2017 Před 6 měsíci

    Great video! Keep posting more of this, I enjoy watching your bike reviews, goodjob!

  • @alexjohnstonjohnston5374

    Great level of detail (and entertainment) as usual!

  • @richienovianto
    @richienovianto Před rokem

    Supporting your channel from Indonesia! Godspeed, Luke!

  • @thomasalison6188
    @thomasalison6188 Před rokem

    Another smashing bike video from Trace Velo!!​Good luck with the new career path Luke!

  • @ssenssel
    @ssenssel Před rokem

    Thank you for this video, I'm right at the early stages of planing my 1st Carbon speed budget bike build. Very helpful. Congrats on leaving your full time job so you can help us budget builders. Cheers from Brazil.

  • @chrisbowman2030
    @chrisbowman2030 Před rokem +1

    Wishing you all the best! Love your channel!

  • @ilikewasabe
    @ilikewasabe Před rokem +1

    Great intensive review again Luke! I always learn allot from watching your vids! Both entertaining and informative

  • @jarosawkus1976
    @jarosawkus1976 Před rokem

    Keep up good work mate, channel is very interesting and you deliver the content in an amazing way. Wishing you all the best Luke!

  • @becyk_du_quebec
    @becyk_du_quebec Před rokem

    Been watching you for a while, very good editing and always important details mentioned during installation of parts. Good luck with everything and hopefully things work out for you. I hear more and more people looking to buy chinese wheels and parts in my club rides, so they'll need more of your very informative videos on all the upcoming parts from Ali/China :)
    Cheers.

  • @omerduzyol8741
    @omerduzyol8741 Před rokem +4

    I think you are a true asset to the biking community on CZcams. I have been using your recommendations for years for my parts selections with great success. Keep it up :0)

  • @InvertedProphet
    @InvertedProphet Před rokem +2

    Really enjoy your content. Thanks Luke. I've learned a lot watching you. And I love a good budget build. Great work. 🥖

  • @icorlaiti
    @icorlaiti Před rokem +2

    Now I feel bad for never sending a message of support so here goes... You are great!!!
    For next projects, think about doing crazy hack things like pairing a cues derailleur with road shifters and stuff.

  • @Kazyow
    @Kazyow Před 11 měsíci

    More power to you bro. You are so entertaining/ engaging. My friends and I literally waits for your next vid uploads and reviews on these cycling parts whether it's cheap or not. Much love here from Philippines lol

  • @adoj105
    @adoj105 Před rokem +3

    Keep providing awesome content as long as you find it fulfilling and enjoyable and I hope the channel continues to support you both personally and financially. 🥖🥖 Thanks for all of the entertaining and informative perspectives on bike maintenance and parts.

  • @siklistangbugoy4100
    @siklistangbugoy4100 Před rokem +1

    Been watching since 2020 and learned a ton of stuff. More power to you!

  • @yusufgulenben
    @yusufgulenben Před rokem

    Keep calm and do your ambition! im here to support your work

  • @robertdean3800
    @robertdean3800 Před rokem +1

    Top man Luke all the best going forward look forward to more of your in-depth informative vids

  • @sambryer8625
    @sambryer8625 Před rokem

    Glad you’re happy with your decision to go full time now! I’ve been enjoying the channel since way back, and I’ve applied a fair few of your recommendations to the bike. Also can really see the improvement in quality since this became the day job, keep smashing it 🥖🥖🥖

  • @Schubskii
    @Schubskii Před rokem

    You got this, keep the quality content coming and I can only see it working out

  • @blackfi12e622
    @blackfi12e622 Před rokem +3

    Excellent longevity follow-up video. Hopefully the QA issues will be solved down the road. As for the anxiety and nervousness of diving into something that may or may not work out, I know how that feels. Keep at it Luke! 🥖

  • @onegrapefruitlover
    @onegrapefruitlover Před rokem +4

    It’s great to see these updates. Not many (if any) reviewers actually use the products for a good while!
    This is my favorite bike channel by far 🥖🥖🥖

  • @boyacki
    @boyacki Před rokem +1

    You're killing it!! Definitely my favourite channel for a weekly uplift and happy that you're happy!!🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

  • @stevetreinen6070
    @stevetreinen6070 Před rokem +1

    I really appreciate your positive attitude even when things aren't perfect. Cycling should always be fun! Long time subscriber.

  • @bazzahead7282
    @bazzahead7282 Před rokem

    Good on you Luke! Another excellent vid 👍🏻

  • @stephenbrown590
    @stephenbrown590 Před rokem +1

    Making a break, from the 'usual' career is of course a scary step but if you're enjoying it, it's already a win! Love your reviews Luke. You're personable, to the point, and I look forward to your uploads. I share your Aliexpress enthusiasm!

  • @MatteoBadini
    @MatteoBadini Před rokem +1

    Great work Luke! You upgraded the quality of you videos with more consistent uploads, not something that anyone can achieve. I hope that the channel continues to grow because you deserve it 💪🏼

  • @jasonjaeger7383
    @jasonjaeger7383 Před rokem +1

    This guy does fantastic reviews and is so genuine!

  • @jonathangreen7111
    @jonathangreen7111 Před rokem

    You're doing a great job mate. Well done, thank you and good luck.

  • @donavinnezar
    @donavinnezar Před rokem

    keep it coming man , its people like you who are convincing me to want a gravel/road bike. coming from mtb im surprised road is having so many issues with 12speed

  • @davidgarza2267
    @davidgarza2267 Před rokem +2

    Rocking the Ltwoo GR9 on my gravel bike. Pulled the trigger after watching your video a while back. I agree that 11sp is definitely where its at for mechanical. Thanks for all your hard work and super helpful insight!

  • @Speedy.V
    @Speedy.V Před rokem +1

    Dude. Your awsome. I've been telling every one of my bike friends about the great bike parts from china. I'm glad that someone like yourself is able to show everyone on CZcams how great these parts are.

  • @editdroid99
    @editdroid99 Před rokem +1

    Nice one. I felt you speaking directly to me when you were talking about trepidation toward setting up / bleeding hydraulic brakes. Looks like I need to go watch another video. Thanks again for the great content! 🥖🥖🥖

  • @Carmelov2012
    @Carmelov2012 Před rokem

    Definitely one of my favorite you tube channels period the content for the avg rider on a. Budget is awesome. Thanks to you we don’t have to go blind when we want to buy Chinese parts for are bikes. Keep it up 👍🏽

  • @Gregory_tottie
    @Gregory_tottie Před rokem

    Love your channel and glad you’re doing it full time. Congrats. 🥖

  • @targaW3007
    @targaW3007 Před rokem +3

    You are one of the most friendly and honest guys here at CZcams. If someone should do this full time then it’s you.
    Looking forward to you next video. Cheers from Munich

  • @gileslewismortimer
    @gileslewismortimer Před rokem

    Really nice piece at the end of the video Luke.
    I started watching your videos after watching the ultrasonic cleaner video you did.
    I bought some Siroko stuff recently with your code, partly because I wanted to try some of their stuff, but partly to support your amazing channel 🙂.
    Also. Love the baguette emoji trend! 🥖🥖🥖

  • @Natuh21
    @Natuh21 Před rokem +1

    Great to know that ur gonna focus on making videos, I always wished I could watch more of ur videos but they were quite rarely made ( 1 per week if Im not mistaken). Warm hug from Brazil 🤗.

  • @monztrluvr
    @monztrluvr Před rokem +1

    Thanks for this video, Luke !

  • @danalec4742
    @danalec4742 Před rokem

    Great video, mate. Awaiting the hydrolic Sensah groupset review. 😊

  • @gavinrogers1968
    @gavinrogers1968 Před rokem

    I really do hope this works out for you as well ,it's throughly deserved a new trace velo upload is always appreciated

  • @DavidVidaurri
    @DavidVidaurri Před rokem

    ❤❤❤❤ keep them vids coming and I’ll keep watching

  • @tugaracestore
    @tugaracestore Před rokem

    Great video, keep it up as a CZcamsr, that's the way to go! Congrats in your decision

  • @alexjohnstonjohnston5374

    Ps regarding your message at the end - I think we all forget that you don’t know us as well as we think we know you! Good luck with it mate 🥖

    • @TraceVelo
      @TraceVelo  Před rokem +1

      Cheers Alex! You folks are all strangers, but I love the support, really keeps me moving forward!

  • @richardharris8538
    @richardharris8538 Před rokem

    I'm glad things are working out for you, Luke. We value your content.

  • @user-pj8kv5fy1j
    @user-pj8kv5fy1j Před rokem +1

    I got this set after your reviews. very happy with the purchase, thank you for the review. your videos are great. good luck with your art. you are the only blogger whose video I watch immediately (IMMEDIATELY) after the appearance. The main thing is to be happy.

  • @shaank1875
    @shaank1875 Před rokem +12

    These reviews and just your content in general are 10x more entertaining, informative, thorough, and fair than channels like GCN. AND your level of production is so good too!!! I wish there were more channels like yours since I always find myself wanting more!! Keep up the amazing work, Luke!! 🥳

    • @TraceVelo
      @TraceVelo  Před rokem +3

      Thanks Shaan, what an awesome comment! I always put my all into these videos, so glad that is coming across!

  • @christophervergara2962

    Luke, keep on with the awesome work. I've been following you from around 3 years (even though I do not speak english). Greetings and baguettes 🥖 from the far away land of Chile.

    • @christophervergara2962
      @christophervergara2962 Před 10 měsíci

      By the way: do you know if ultegra (or 105) front derailleur is compatible with the front shifter? I've been wanting to purchase this groupset, but I do not like the brake calipers... I was thinking on getting both L-Twoo levers and rear derailleur; but shimano FD and brake calipers... I would really apreciate your help.

  • @alexf7173
    @alexf7173 Před rokem

    Thanks for this review 👍 great Video as always

  • @niekosify
    @niekosify Před rokem

    Keep it up Luke, great video again 👍 Always enjoy your thorough and humorous reviews of these china parts that are getting better and better. Good luck with the full time youtube job! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

  • @merckxy54
    @merckxy54 Před rokem +1

    Great video's Luke. Keep 'em coming great to hear your comments on all the chinese kit that is available on-line these days!

  • @wazzup105
    @wazzup105 Před rokem +1

    Informative and entertaining. Thank you!

  • @rustambek817
    @rustambek817 Před rokem +1

    Luke thank you for your work!!! You are a great 🥖!!!

  • @madradsprad
    @madradsprad Před rokem +1

    I bought the R9 version first, and loved it. After about 3 months I succumbed to 12 speed envy... Both are great, but my R9 group shifts better so it's back on the roadie 😁 going to build a gravel 1x soon with the 12 speed pieces.. Love the channel! 🥖🥖🥖

  • @RAj-vy9bj
    @RAj-vy9bj Před rokem

    Keep it going Luke. Your doing great

  • @keithmorlen4907
    @keithmorlen4907 Před rokem +2

    Excellent video as per usual. Thanks for what you do. I've purchased gear because of your testing. 🥖

  • @2wheelsonline
    @2wheelsonline Před 11 měsíci

    Luke... I'm addicted to cycling/building bikes but you could talk about any other subject (within reason) and I would stay subscribed to your channel to watch. I just love ur style and humour! I always look forward to the next 'show'! 😍😍

  • @DnDMF
    @DnDMF Před rokem +1

    Love your detailed reviews, Luke. And no, this won't go down in flames. Missed the intro music though. 🥖

  • @Calfa2x
    @Calfa2x Před rokem

    I don't even own or care for road bikes since I only do MTB but I still watch all your videos, Luke.
    That's proof of how entertaining you are and the great way how you present your content.
    Congrats on going all in on your youtube career, I know you will do great.
    🥖🥖🥖🥖

  • @grantchandler8294
    @grantchandler8294 Před rokem

    I think you made the right decision if you never give it a go you'll never know. I primarily ride MTB but I watch every video you put out. Well done 👍

  • @simonwalker2460
    @simonwalker2460 Před rokem +1

    I think people would watch your channel Luke no matter you were testing👍

  • @mwd21
    @mwd21 Před rokem +1

    I’ve been running this groupset now for 6 weeks and overall I’m pretty happy. Yes tuning took a bit to get right but good now. The only problem I had was a faulty left shifter. The brake lever was very stiff and wouldn’t release quickly. I’m glad to say the Aliexpress store replaced it fairly promptly. I agree with you on 11sp option purely for the amount of parts available. I had to compromise on certain aspects of the build. I’d give it a 7.5 out of 10 so far.

  • @FiveMinuteVelo
    @FiveMinuteVelo Před rokem +2

    🥖🥖🥖 well done another great video. I do hope your further adventures into the realms of CZcams stardom plays out well.
    Like you, I too, was a bit nervous about hydraulic plumbing. But recently I bought an e-bike with the brakes the opposite way around to the BS Standard - that is rear on the right. I decided to swap the hydraulic lines over to get the front brake on the right lever. Now i was expecting to have to bleed the system and I bought all the stuff ready to do that. However, I just unscrewed the hydraulic lines and swapped them over. When I took the hydraulic lines out of a few drops of oil we lost. However once I reassembled the line into the opposite leavers, the whole system worked without any additional bleeding or adjustments. Not nearly as scary as I was expecting.

  • @terryvoice3908
    @terryvoice3908 Před 11 měsíci

    Another excellent video, I recently built a TFSA frame JH033 with an Elite Wheelset and then splashed the cash on a SRAM Rival AXS 12 speed group set (only one set of cables internally routed through the aero bars), the build was easy all disc mounts had been faced the BSA bottom bracket threads were perfectly machined, chameleon paintwork excellent. I was certainly inspired down this route because of the excellent content that you have been producing over the last few years. keep up the great work and videos, maybe some electronic group sets coming??

  • @antonmilius5197
    @antonmilius5197 Před rokem +1

    you make really good content. the editing is top notch 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

  • @2wheelsbest
    @2wheelsbest Před rokem +1

    I'd say the reason for the poor shifting at the bottom of the cassette is due to mech hanger alignment. It's usually worse lower down the range as you don't have the benefit of all the power in the mech spring (spring is under less tension) so any alignment issues create lazy shifting. Check your hanger and see if that makes a difference. Great video as ever.

  • @Leandrodesero
    @Leandrodesero Před rokem

    Ltwoo e-rx please.Good luck in this new journey.A hug from Brazil!

  • @1973jrb
    @1973jrb Před rokem +1

    Great content as per usual. Keep up the good work. Have you any plans to do a factory tour of one of these suppliers? That would be interesting to watch.

  • @phynex5555
    @phynex5555 Před rokem

    I announced you as most excellent cycling youtube channel for chinese cycling parts. Well detailed explanation on the parts and bike assembly. No one could have done any better than you !

  • @rodcosta2345
    @rodcosta2345 Před rokem +6

    Always thankful for your hard work Luke! Great video. 🥖

  • @hawkeyelikesbikes
    @hawkeyelikesbikes Před rokem +3

    I've been running Shimano 12s mechanical on my two mountain bikes for a couple of years now, including the incredibly brutal Convict 100 XC marathon last month. NO issues at all with inconsistent shifting - I never have to adjust it, ever. So I think the comments on the reason why Shimano went all-electronic are speculative.
    I will say that the old-school cable routing used on L-Twoo is a pain in the ass with collecting grit and contamination in wet conditions and is a deal-killer for me, as replacing the cable outer down there after every wet ride is going to get old real fast. i'm glad to have gotten rid of my last bike with that system a few months ago.
    I much prefer the "Shadow+" routing that Shimano now uses, which uses gravity to minimise the amount of contamination that accumulates down there and messes with your shifting. Also less prone to having wear n the pivios affect shifting accuracy.

  • @arrieventer1691
    @arrieventer1691 Před rokem +1

    Great video. Thank you Luke

  • @tardishousemafia5246
    @tardishousemafia5246 Před rokem

    I really can’t wait for your review of eRX

  • @danielbirchett6439
    @danielbirchett6439 Před rokem

    Congratulations on going full time Luke! You’ve earned it.
    I’m liking the little on-bike clips in amongst the meat (parts). I said “on-bike” so please don’t fall off and break a shifter again 😅
    Great content, really like the green callipers (😍) and see you next time.

  • @JezziWokee
    @JezziWokee Před rokem

    First and foremost congrats on doing youtube full time Luke, I appreciate you and everything you do. You've provided myself and very clearly others a lot of insight on "budget" performance bike stuff. I myself built my first carbon road bike build (same frame even) following your video on it.
    TLDR: 11spd has same issues as 12spd but is still decent. Can be made great w modifications and Frankenstein building
    To what i wanted to add in excruciating detail:
    Put the aluminum ltwoo R9 2x11/ZRACE road hydraulic mini groupset on a friend's aliexpress build. Came with ltwoo shifters, fd, rd, extra hose/mounting stuff, ZRACE XG calipers, and brake pads. Also got ZTTO 11-28 cassette, SUMC chain, and senicx GXP 50-34 chainrings to complete the drivetrain. Shifters don't rattle and don't seem to have the same stuck shifter problem china cycling mentioned but I still removed the levers to pack some grease on the pistons anyways. Also had the issue of the shifter clamps slipping and I've had to tighten the bolts to concerning torque levels.
    Shifting seems to have the exact same performance as your 12spd group. There's hesitation/sluggishness mostly in the 11-19t range. No amount of adjustment seems to make it any better. Also the window of it being indexed is incredibly small, which is very reminiscent of 12spd drivetrains I've set up. How I've solved this in the past with sensah is running big name rd, cassette, and chain. I ran sensah empire 11spd shifters + fd with sram force rd, ultegra 11-28 cassette, and sram 11spd chain and it shifted perfect. The index window with that frankenbuild was forgivingly large. While I haven't tried something similar with this ltwoo group, I suspect it would be similar. Would love to see you try something like that in a possible future vid. The fd and left shifter I found to be impressively good (aka it works without any problems). The built in adjustment screw on the fd is blessed.
    Braking performance I found to be incredibly spongey, to the point where it wasn't enough braking force for my friend who is around 200lbs. Even with the zrace calipers. I've re-bled it and it's still the same. I was able to "solve" this issue by getting a longer 12-15mm m4 grub screw. I also re-tapped the levers (don't do this with the carbon levers) so that I could thread the grub screw from the front. I found that this is mandatory as the longer grub screw preloads the metal piece on the back of the shift lever, making re-installing the levers practically impossible (you would need to somehow compress the brake piston in the shifters). If you value your mental health re-tap the m4 free stroke adjustment hole. After this mod I was able to get a much tighter brake feel. Somewhere between sram and shimano.
    For someone like my friend who is coming from a crud hybrid commuter this groupset is great. For the price I really cannot complain at all. If you're looking for performance right out the box, 105 is better. For budget performance with tinkering I would maybe recommend getting ltwoo shifters, calipers, and fd, and 105 (or even tiagra) for the rest. Shimano's hyperglide tech makes shifting real nice. Thanks for coming to my TED talk.

  • @grahamosborn-yj3vx
    @grahamosborn-yj3vx Před rokem

    Luke love your vids you are funny with great information. gods speed to you👍🏆

  • @Crand0m
    @Crand0m Před rokem

    I'm not in the market at the moment for these cheaper Chinese bike parts, but might be in the future, so I'm watching/liking/subscribing so you succeed and there's a good source for the information in the future.

  • @romanelli9999
    @romanelli9999 Před rokem

    Glad to see you using "up shift" and "down shift" correctly, so many other channels don't.

  • @biamarconchi
    @biamarconchi Před rokem +1

    Nice job Luke, always great. I certainly don't know what the need is for 12 speeds or even 13. 11 is plenty, plus indexing is less of an issue.

    • @veganpotterthevegan
      @veganpotterthevegan Před rokem

      I love my 12 speed and definitely look forward to 13 speed. I'd have 13 now if I liked the Ekar cassette ranges but I don't. I have 5 drop bar bikes and only 1 is 1x. With 13sp, I'd probably only have 2x on one of them.

  • @fraserhocks7859
    @fraserhocks7859 Před rokem

    Love the channel Luke. Keep up the great work. Talking of which i noticed a very slick looking newer style integrated bar and stem on your bike in this video? Does that mean a review of these is coming soon. Can't wait to see if so, as im keen on a cheap Chinese pair, rather than paying ridiculous amount for a brand name pair. Being a heavy rider myself (close to 100kg) im a little nervous about the Chinese versions.

  • @vixxenMTB
    @vixxenMTB Před rokem +24

    This mimics my experience with the GRT very well. It's very finicky in the harder gears, especially the second hardest. I actually found it worked best with a Sram 12 speed road cassette, a Rival XPLR 10-44, than Shimano spaced 12 speed road (Sram is spaced ever so slightly wider).
    Keeping portions of the cable that are bare against the plastic/resin of the shifter and derailleur a little lubricated and clean really helps with those downshifts in the harder gears. What's causing the lazy shifting is that the shifter releases the cable fully but resistance along the cable's path, and a lack of strong enough spring tension in the derailleur's lateral movement, keep the cable from being pulled all the way immediately at the derailleur end when there is less cable tension. As you found, keeping tight turns out of the cable housing really helps.
    I think if L-Twoo just had a stronger spring pulling the derailleur outboard (thus putting more static tension on the cable and pulling on it more strongly from downshifts), the problem would go away and the shifting would be crisp all the way down the cassette.
    As a point of interest, I'm currently running the shifters with a GRX 810-series rear derailleur, and this has improved the downshift quality immensely. The L-Twoo RX, GRT, and R9 shifters all pull the same cable ratio as Shimano Road 11-speed derailleurs, so it's all full interchangeable :)
    edited to add: pull the shifter hood cover back and watch the exposed bit of cable as you downshift; you can see it doesn't pull all the way at lower cable tension/harder gears and takes a second to let all the way out

    • @janeblogs324
      @janeblogs324 Před rokem +3

      Yes its a parallelogram spring tension issue. 20 year old shimano have this issue with the spring weakening, ltwoo must be using the worse quality spring steel so I think my shifting will get much worse. I'm going to try to tie up 2 or 3 coils to increase the tension with some kevlar thread I have.
      The high gear limit screw also fouls if you screw it in too far.

    • @oatmoped
      @oatmoped Před 11 měsíci

      Interesting.. would have guessed they use sram road pull ratio like Sensah does. Does it shift as well as all GRX now? My Sensah RD gave up on me after a year and I’m running a sram apex one with Sensah shifters. (But the breaking suuuucks)

    • @MoiseCoulon17
      @MoiseCoulon17 Před 10 měsíci

      Thanks @vixxenMTB . Are you basically using L-twoo 12 speed shifters with shimano GRX 11 speed derailleur? Am trying to establish if the pull ration of L-twoo 12 speed shifter is same as shimano 11 speed grx shifter! By the way, this mean lots of upgrade possible, could imagine buying only the l-twoo shifters and buying dérailleurs and calipers from Shimano.

    • @vixxenMTB
      @vixxenMTB Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@MoiseCoulon17 that's actually exactly what's on my main bike, now! Just the L-twoo shifters, a Shimano GRX-RX812 11 speed RD, and Shimano flat mount brake calipers. The L-Twoo brake calipers are fine, just sort of heavy and inelegant with the adapters

    • @MoiseCoulon17
      @MoiseCoulon17 Před 10 měsíci

      @@vixxenMTB Brilliant. For cable pull of the L-twoo 12 speed road shifter, I am trying to work out if it will be the same as the miroshift 12 speed bar-end shifters BS-SR-M12-R which seem to be the only mechanical bar-end shifters for 12 speed in the market. The BS-SR-M12-R are compatible with "SRAM MTB 12 Speed X-Actuation" and I found it (in a forum only) it was likely to be 3.48mm cable pull for that. Another clue ios that L-TWOO also makes MTB 12 speed shifters and all advertised as 1:1 ratio (whcih does not mean much) like SRAM so there is a possibility the L-TWOO 12 speed shifters (road and MTB) will have the same cable pull as the BS-SR-M12-R shifters an the SRAM MTB 12 speed shifters. Anyone knows cable pull (in mm) for the L-TWOO 12 speed ?

  • @tomichaubg
    @tomichaubg Před rokem

    I'm now doing my 3rd build, converting a 2nd hand aluminium hybrid (Trek FX2 disc) into a road/gravel bike. I have the groupset (a 2nd hand steal, hydraulic disc Sram Red 22 etap, minus the chainset for around £750), but I'm looking at getting lots of cheap Chinese aliexpress parts, like carbon cranks, handlebar, bottle cages, pedals, etc. I rely on your videos so much for my research. Thank you for being so brave and friendly and helping the cycling community on a budget! 🥖🥖🥖🥖

  • @danieltull3622
    @danieltull3622 Před rokem

    You are the marques brown lee of aliexpress bike parts! I was waiting on this video to make a decision on whether to get the 12 speed or the 11 speed ltwoo groupo. Keep up the good work and hope to see you in your future videos. Maybe a crossover with cade media one day?

  • @crusty_the_alpaca
    @crusty_the_alpaca Před rokem +1

    Really enjoy your videos, thanks Luke! 🥖

  • @stujohn37
    @stujohn37 Před rokem +1

    As always, what quality video, keep up the good work, and never doubt you have done the right thing. 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

  • @matthewhuang3092
    @matthewhuang3092 Před rokem +5

    The shifting issues are almost certainly caused by the offset upper pulley wheel on the derailleur. In the big ring the pulley wheel is further away from the cassette causing sluggy shifting in the smaller cogs of the cassette. If you look at 2x derailleurs from SRAM and Shimano, they usually have a pulley wheel move with the cage pivot so the B-gap remains the same in the small and big ring.

    • @harrybarrett5085
      @harrybarrett5085 Před rokem

      This, usually you would see an offset pulley on a 1x derailleur with a more horizontal derailleur cage path, definitely a way for ltwoo to get away with the same derailleur for both 1x and 2x

  • @paulharrison2571
    @paulharrison2571 Před rokem

    Love the channel, the content is very good and the delivery is always amusing. Quick question - Is there an Ltwoo hydraulic 2 x 11 for gravel?

  • @Boopop1024
    @Boopop1024 Před 11 měsíci

    Good luck with going full time. Completely understandable that you'd be anxious, and of course you're right that it may not work out. That said however, you think there's a chance that it could go well, and if you don't take that chance to find out you'll regret it in the future. Good luck!

  • @JazMoody
    @JazMoody Před rokem

    Good feedback Luke. Please do the 11 speed disc review 🎉🎉

  • @joepilimai4604
    @joepilimai4604 Před 11 měsíci

    I grabbed the 12speed GRT aluminum set. Install pretty straight forward, bled the brakes, tuned, done. So far it’s been great.

  • @fathybalamita1537
    @fathybalamita1537 Před rokem

    Great review Luke. The reason why i will always choose shimano is the ability to down shift while braking on the rear derailleur.

  • @Rexcampion24
    @Rexcampion24 Před rokem +6

    I'm addicted to your Video's Keep it up Luke.

  • @sccxvelo
    @sccxvelo Před rokem

    Good point with tighter tolerances for mechanical 12speed set and maintenance. Liking rival 1x11speed on my new used CX demo bike from a team friend. Not sure on 1x due to the variance of terrain locally. Other areas it would be perfectly fine. But 11speed takes care of a lot gear issues when needing larger cogs for climbing instead changing out cassettes from flat-rolling terrain cassettes. Do not need small cogs for where I live, need the middle and larger cogs. 11 speed still uses the decades old universal shimano-sram freehub which makes it easier find replacements for worn parts. 12 speed seems more hassle with different free hubs for each company. Saving the old 2x10 for the now trainer canti/v brake bike.

  • @chiefrocker12
    @chiefrocker12 Před rokem

    Great review, and I ended up ordering the 11 speed based on similar comments by few others on the 12-speed mechanical. If you haven't already, time to reach out to Chris Miller , get in on the show. You would be a great fit and lot of folks are loving the collab that is happening over there.