SRAM alternative for under £700 -Too good to be true?

[@RideWithRoy]

Update: since filming this, WheelTop has issued a firmware update. This includes connection to a head unit to give gear selection and derailleur battery charge condition. I’ve just connected my Wahoo Roam and it works!

[@greigs9384]

Looks lovely, boys and their ££ toys, but my cables still work fine!
Meanwhile I’m still sat at Whitley Bay waiting on part 3 👀😎

[@RideWithRoy]

Your wait will be over tomorrow 😀

[@iangaston446]

As your usual review of any product Roy, so professional with total honesty and unbiased comments, pity some tv football commentators can’t take a leaf out of your book. Well done

[@brianridley1102]

Funny you mention the forgetting to recharge the devices Roy. I feel exactly the same about tubeless tyres and the sealant. I have come across quite a few stranded as the sealant had dried up

[@philadams9254]

As soon as they can offer it for 3x chainrings, I'm sold!

[@DuncMcNutt]

Good Morning Roy. Nice review.
Yours is the first review I have seen of the rim brake version of this part group. How do the levers feel when braking? So you feel they work in a similar manner to the ones you took off? And also, did you happen to weigh the levers at all?
I must admit I’m tempted, but the weight penalty does put me off. It would stop the dreaded rear Shimano STi cable snapping or breaking up in the lever though.

[@RideWithRoy]

Yes, I feel the same way after having to replace a 105 RH lever due to cable jamming. The braking feels no different to the 105. However, it should be noted that there is no reach adjustment on the cable levers (there is on the hydraulic version) so it could be an issue for those with small hands. I didn’t weigh the levers but the spec states 208g for the left and 213g for the right. I know it’s not much, but you’d need to take off the weight saving of cables and outers. It does look good with fewer cables. I shall be checking the feel of the buttons with winter gloves on, so I’ll make an update after a few more long rides. I’m also liking the new firmware update that displays gears and battery condition on my head unit.

[@DuncMcNutt]

@@RideWithRoy thanks Roy for your reply. I thought the same, about saving cable outers etc. Must admit I am very tempted. Always said I’d never bother going electronic shift. Hmmm 🤔

[@NeilLavitt]

Interesting product. The SRAM Rival groupset I have has batteries. The good thing about this is that I always have a spare battery and I can also swap the front and the rear. The front is often more charged. I do really like the electric gearing though manual is good enough.
I didn’t see any brake callipers in your box. Did you use the Shimano ones. I see the hydraulic set has callipers.

[@RideWithRoy]

On the Tempest I use Juintech Hydraulic actuators, that are cable operated. That kit is their cable brake version. The hydraulic version is supplied with callipers and hoses.

[@urouroniwa]

Given that this is just the shifters and derailleurs is it drive train agnostic? I've got an 2012 bike with 5700 105 that I'm loathe to give up, but moving to electronic shifting would be enticing (especially at that price point). The fact that they say they support 3-14 gears is encouraging...

[@RideWithRoy]

I’m using with Shimano 11/34 cassette, SRAM chain and Absolute Black Oval chainrings. As you say, it’s just derailleurs and shifters, so I can’t see any reason it wouldn’t work with any brand of chainrings and cassette within, their stated limits. Since making the review they’ve released a firmware update that links the system to a head unit, so it’s a pro active manufacturer.

[@FENCYCLIST]

Looks a good product, looked on website but have road and MTB systems but nothing for a 1x gravel system with drop handlebars.

[@RideWithRoy]

I think they expect you to buy the 2x and not use the front derailleur, which is a waste.

[@funkyjamutube]

I wonder if you could pair drop bar shifters with mtb rear derailleur for 1x wide range gearing?

[@JohnSmith-ox7xc]

How accessible is the olives and barbs in the hydraulic configuration? Are they unique to their system, or is it identical to other groupsets that getting spares would be no issue.

[@chris1275cc]

They use SRAM/AVID type Olives and barbs (that screw in and together) they are all interchangeable so the flashy red and silver ones from SRAM will work but so will the cheaper brass after market type. But the system is mineral oil, so the hoses are BH90 (Shimano) and I know many are using them with Shimano calipers. So if you knackered up a brake caliper, you could get a Shimano (or compatible) one, BUT you would need to use BH90 olives and barbs at the caliper end.

[@JohnSmith-ox7xc]

@@chris1275cc Good to know, thank you.

[@bengt_axle]

Can it handle Campagnolo 10 speed, which has a different chain width than Shimano/SRAM? And how well does it work with 11 and 12 speed? The main advantage I'd see is that if it works on different systems, then it will be just one product that covers all chains, be they 9, 10, 11, 12 or even 13 speed. It will eliminate the need to manufacture precisely-machined metal parts for the shifter, and can actually be cheaper to produce than a mechanical system. It might be a nice solution to retro or 10 speed which is going out of production.
They must be using an industry-standard Li-ion battery and if you can find out which one and whether it is currently available, that would be great. Also, can you shift the derailleur with a smartphone, should the paddle shifter battery fail? It would be a good feature, just to get the bike in the right gear to ride home.
Is there any adjustment for the height of the upper jockey wheel (AKA "B screw" adjustment)? What is the largest cog and crankset cog difference that the cage accomodates?

[@RideWithRoy]

I’m using it with 11 speed SRAM chain, Shimano 11/34 cassette and Absolute Black 46/30 chainring, and it shifts perfectly. Yes, you can shift both derailleurs with a Smartphone. I hadn’t thought of that in case of shifter failure. And finally, there is a screw adjuster for jockey wheel to cassette clearance as well as the usual manual stop screws.The rear cassette shifter buttons are in the opposite sense to my 105, but that can be changed via the app.

[@anthonyfletcher1278]

Hi Roy I’ve just received my EDS TX Im having trouble moving gears down to number 1 .the lowest it goes is 5 gear .I Olson cannot get the screen that alowes you to move the gears down to number one .any help would be appreciated.thanks Tony

[@RideWithRoy]

Hi, Tony. Are you trying to get the gears to 1 when in the small front ring? The system is designed to limit cross chaining by stopping shifting into 1 and 2. This is what confused me. If you set up in the front big ring, it should work in all rings of the cassette.

[@RideWithRoy]

Just another thought, Tony. Have you set the correct cassette speed in the app?

[@robrobinson420]

If used x1 what is biggest on back tho. Or maybe could use link to get it to work

[@RideWithRoy]

I shall be asking the manufacturer these questions and will come back with answers, Rob. It would seem to me that the only limit is the number of cogs, which can be up to 14, so, as you say, it would likely be just down to chain length.

[@funkyjamutube]

Spec on their website says 36t

[@robrobinson420]

@@funkyjamutube so if can use link should do 40t

[@davidanscombe3755]

Hello Roy did you mention a discount code

[@RideWithRoy]

It’s in the description, David, but here is the link Discount link wheeltop.refr.cc/wheeltop-referral-program/u/ridingwithroy It’s not much but the best I could do.

[@n22pdf]

Hi Roy what an excellent and thorough review dude.. well done :) I guess time will tell if it keeps on working well.. and any issues are easily resolved and the warranty works if needed.. Pete

[@RideWithRoy]

Thanks, Pete. From what I’ve experienced, so far, they are highly responsive. Also, to gain a foothold in this market they can’t be seen to put a foot wrong, so I feel confident.

[@Randombourg]

Crazy that you can't buy the road group set as 1x, they say how to disconnect the fd , but you still need to buy it and the shifter. Maybe the shifter could be reprogrammed to control a dropper post later, but still wasting the fd

[@RideWithRoy]

Might be worth asking the question if they would supply only the items you need. They do seem very flexible and helpful.

[@Randombourg]

@@RideWithRoy faq state not possible, and to just disconnect it

[@englishcyclist]

Great video review Roy, interesting as I've been researching this product for a bike build recently, still on the fence as I have been waiting for a offer on 105Di2 or SRAM offer - Merlin has one on Di2 105 that also includes more for £899. That battery is also a concern for me as after 2-3 years as with any battery it will be at a reduced capacity - just see any mobile phone or laptop with a non removable battery. However more Electronic groupset competition is a good thing! as soon as these slip down to under £499 there is really no reason not to buy one to put on an existing bike when the old groupset has failed.

[@RideWithRoy]

I know what you mean about the batteries, Tom, but even at reduced power, the draw to operate those servos is so small I doubt it would be an issue. Having said that, a total battery failure is a potential issue. My impression of this company is that they are highly responsive and I’m sure would do everything possible to maintain a developing reputation.