Got this group a few months back, several hundred miles and counting. Love the styling and I even buffed off the logos. Using this on my Cannondale Slate.
Nice good to know!. Since filming I've put another few hundred miles on them, and they are still absolutely fine. I expected them to break if i am honest, but yeah still good!
Great content Luke! Really appreciate your honest reviews. I am currently building myself a "Chinese" gravel bike, I just installed the Sensah SRX 1x11, as you would say, it's damn tasty! I plan to transform it later in a commuter e-road bike with the tongsheng middrive motor and a Chinese small battery. Total weight should be under 13kg, and total budget 1500€
@@TraceVelo it's been a year since it's release i think. But thank you very much for your content! And hopefully you can also review Sagmit SystemOne groupset
@@raphaelcotoner4948 nah, it's exactly same as sensah, just rebranded. It's like different brand of crank on aliexpress with the same item. Luce,litepro, bolany, dra, they sell same item but with their brand slap on it
These shifters are a hybrid of Campgnolo Ergopower and Shimano's old Sora - thus why the levers collide and the upshift lever isn't accessible from the drops. Campy figured this out and has fixed it on their Ergopower levers. Definitely looking forward to a re-evaluation of the Sensah stuff.
LTWOO is a Chinese brand. LTWOO was founded in 2014 by a veteran SRAM engineer/R&D leader with 20 years of experience. They were the ones who worked for SRAM in China, I was told, but the factory in China was later closed. As a result, they decided to make their own bicycle components.
@@TraceVelo Now if only the cable pull ratio is the same as with, oh say a Potenza RD+FD, I could see myself using these (if I were able to make my right thumb reach up the upshift button while on the drops and not strain any joints). I still prefer the arrangement of the microNEW's shifters.
they copy SRAM on MTB parts. what makes it so cheap.the funny part is they copy everything that they dont even know some of the features of specific components :DDDD
@@drewf69 the updated ones have a metal thingy....knowing before you order from aliexpress rather than after you receive them, yeah good luck with that unless maybe if you contact the seller ahead of time preferably in their native language. I received the updated srx pro 1x version a few months ago, they work better than their price, but nothing amazing.
So I broke down and ordered this set on this videos review and weeks of research. They must have watched this video because everything you said was "wrong" with them they fixed. I mean down to the washer on the clamp and the no indication of last gear and so on the only thing they didn't "fix" is the slick shifters. But I love the look and a little grip tape took care of that. Thanks for your content and letting us with less then deep pockets "update and upgrade our bikes with confidence.
That's right, I've been using this groupset on a new xds bike (ad359 - 2024) and it works quite well, I had a trek with Tiagra 2x10 and in fact I feel so much better this kit!
When I saw the shifter I already questioning about the release button position. People will having a problem when on the drop position. I'm glad you had notice about this too.
Congratulations! You do a great work here. I'm from Peru and as you can imagine all Shimano stuff are really expensive here, so I always watch your videos to have an idea what I'm buying. Actually I've bought MicroNew shifters, I'm still waiting Ali Express' delivery. Thank for doing this. Greetings from Peru
Would be interesting to compare these shifters to a Campy groupset (which these are clearly based on) instead of Shimano. For instance, the not reaching the shifter from the drops, or "mushyness" when you're out of gears is actually the same on a Chorus groupset from my experience. Also, being able to "rattle" the shifters by letting the shift part snap back onto the brake part is actually pretty useful if you don't have a bell on the bike in my experience!
Ok... I did some research (a lot actually, enough to keep me up until 3am) so apparently, the reason why there are some 'mis-shifts' is because the pull ratios of the 105 derailleurs and Ltwoo shifters don't match, basically Shimano used this system called 2:1, 2mm pulled cable = 1mm movement of the derailleur, as you may assume, this requires more cable than it needs to be, and SRAM has been using 1:1 cable pull ratios since the beginning, Shimano only started using them starting with Shimano Tiagra 4700 (so 4700 and all following shifters used 1:1 ratios) BUT here's the weird thing about Ltwoo, their 7, 8, and 9 speeds use 1:1 pull ratios BUT ODDLY USES 2:1 pull ratios for their 10 and 11 speed shifters TLDR: Shimano 105 uses 1:1 pull ratios while the 11-speed Ltwoo Shifters use 2:1 pull ratios which causes some inconsistent shifting, but as long as you do some research and find derailleurs and shifters with the same ratios, you should be fine (I'm having some trouble with my own setup and I'd appreciate it if you can answer, question will be replied to this comment)
I need your suggestions for my setup between the 10 and 11 speed options I have in mind 10-speed option: I have the money to buy Tiagra 4600 rd and fd, which should be compatible with Ltwoo's 10-speed shifters as they both use 2:1 cable ratios, now I really plan on using a gold cassette, and so far I'm only able to find 11-36t ones, meaning I HAVE to use a derailleur hanger extender to have smooth shifting (as 4600s are only available in short cages) 11-speed option: Buy the entire Ltwoo 11-speed gear set, and I've found a gold cassette that will surely fit the derailleur, problem is: idk if I can rely on them, for at least 2 years Also, the I can buy washers, I'm pretty tinkery with stuff so I don't really mind the extra step. Ltwoo is the only cheap brand I want to use as I currently have Sensah Reflex (8 speed) and I'm not a fan of the double tap thing (Too much hand movement for me, specially in my area which has weird roads and elevations and bridges come out of nowhere, causing me to shift every few kilometers) and Micronews are no-gos as I want full internal cabling (I literally spent months trying to find a good frame with good full internal cabling)
As a Chinese user. I want to tell you that Ltwoo and Sensah will produce electric shifter in about 3 years，Sensah may release new road groupset with hydraulic brake in 2022.I may give up Shimano because it's so expensive after 2020
I have this group set because of you. I have to say that I'm really happy about it. you helped me lots putting my bike together. Keep going on doing your thing. Not everyone needs top end components. Many thanks.
@@stevebrouwers51 thank you very much in india cause of politics aliexpress is banned and company groupset prices don't make any sense shimano 105 set costs as much as my graphics card or my ps5 💀 I will order the ltwoo r9 set from ebay for 110$ that seems fair to a steal for what kind of fuction the thing provides 🥰 I bought a steel touring/sports bicycle for like 300$ its only 14 spd 14-28 New rear wheel This groupset New tyres Shimano 105 cassete and chain Will set me back 300 more but at that point i have something that branded compnies sell for 2000$ 😎 and mine is steel so its never braking beyond repair
After your fabulous video about your new mechanical disc brake bike, I also bought a new bike with mechanical disc brakes... again with 8-speed Claris R2000... the new 2021 Trek Domane AL 2 Disc, a bit pricey for just a 8-speed groupset, but really nice components (which I nevertheless swap directly like a stem with a -17 degree tilt or a 40 cm short reach handlebar). For people who want a carefree groupset and can live with 8-speed... Claris R2000 is for you. This is now my second bike with this groupo and I am still thrilled. At some point I also want to jump on the 11-speed bandwagon, until then I'll get what I can out of it.
Okay, I see others have noticed a resemblance to Campagnolo. But, the nut they used to mount the shifter is the same as Campy, right down to no washer. Campagnolo uses a fiber reinforced plastic body that is pretty hard. There is no way you could pull the nut thru, the bolt would snap or bar would collapse first. Plus the fact that those levers look like such soft plastic, I would be afraid to put any stress on them, such as standing up and pedaling while holding them.
So the plastic body of the L-TWOO shifters is actually fibre reinforced, but it's definitely much softer than stuff ive seen used in name brand shifters.
@@TraceVelowhy do you think so? Are the lever hoods made from PA-CF or PA-GF? I think Shimano lever hoods are quite brittle instead, they're made from PA-GF and there were stories of GRX 600 shifters snapping in half because they've been struck the wrong way.
Using Sensah Ignite 2x9 with Sora deraileurs after my Sora shifter failed, surprised by how good it was, other than getting used to the shifting style, it shift perfectly, as good as Shimano. Great purchase at 40% price of the Shimano.
Thanks for the review. I have ordered this R9 group set too, waiting for them to arrive in the next few days, it will help with my install later on. But do the new sensah review too. Thanks.
Already bought this before watching reviews, and yep, yours is the only one to date, haven't able to search for it cause of "L-TWOO" vs LTWOO, haha -- ok done watching, i think i should have gone with the sensah empire edit: 2 weeks in and around 600km of riding, they are OK, pretty usable, only thing i miss is the down shift on the drops. edit: about 2000kms in and still OK, cannot comment on durability for the left shifter cause im using 1x, going 2x soon. still missing the shifts on drops tho, might swap to sensah soon
My ltwoo shifters comes with spacers, the one you bought is the one who doesn't have it.. All in all, love your reviews.. Fellow biker from the Philippines
So, I've an old roadie on my Zwift setup, it's badly in need of some tlc after 6 years and about 45k miles..... this solution, as I'll never worry about breaking down, could be ideal. I really don't want to spend loads of money just to stand still. Oh and another great video - really do like the format, depth, and content.
Hello! I recently put the LT-Woo GR 7 1x drivetrain on my gravel bike. I like it for the money. It took some adjusting but I give it a B. I'd like the feel of the shifters/shifting to be a bit more crisp but overall I'm happy. It was pretty easy to install and set up, and looks great. I didn't think I'd like the thumb lever to shift to harder gears but I actually quite like it now. Also, on your recommendation I put the Z-Race cable activated hydraulic brakes on my gravel bike too. I REALLY like those! Huge improvement on the mechanical brakes that came on the bike. Again, took some adjusting but probably no more than any other disc brake. Great, solid feel and confidence inspiring braking. Thanks for the recommendations! Love watching your channel and your always enthusiastic and interesting commentary!
Great video. I picked up a used Felt frame and decided to try a mostly Aliexpress build, pluys some parts I already had and a used set of Reynolds wheels. The R9 is overall very nice, but I am having a hell of a time getting the front mech to work well, and the front (left) shifter has had the shift lever decide to live more stuck behind the break lever, rather than in its normal/naturalposition. I hope I can sort it out, as other the the FD shifting issues, it overall feels good. RD seems fine. Hoods so far seem a bit uncomfy. Will try repositioning.
Thanks for the review, have not seen many (english) reviews. I bit the bullet anyways. I bought the L-TWOO R9 groupset and for the price they are a great budget alternative. Yes, you do get acclimated to the shifter differences very quickly once you start riding. I'd definitely like to see more milage put on the L-TWOO and review before installing the updated Sensah shifters.
I'm a Sensah user and haven't had any mechanical failures to speak of (yet). Would really love to see the new shifters and see how they perform. If they're sturdy I may have to get them as a backup.
I have one of this LTWOO R5 I'm happy announced that LTWOO finally Put a little washer on their latest Shifter model and the little shifter for fd is not colliding with big paddle anymore. LTWOO is listening to there customer.
@Mark Spencer www.aliexpress.com/item/4001100211913.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.60c1232fFdhCaE&algo_pvid=39c2a70b-321a-4f14-a988-afbcbf81e8fe&algo_expid=39c2a70b-321a-4f14-a988-afbcbf81e8fe-5&btsid=0bb0623616104893601038558e4de7&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ shimano compatible shifters www.aliexpress.com/item/4001219220422.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.42f42d5b91K8EX&algo_pvid=6535b12e-0d83-4bdd-a2f0-dae345a5939f&algo_expid=6535b12e-0d83-4bdd-a2f0-dae345a5939f-1&btsid=0bb0622916104897319366098e0cf9&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ and here the shifters (sram compatible) alone. Both are from the sensah store on aliexpress.
@@jmcainglet1533 are you sure lmao? where did u get this information from, it looks like you have no basis at all. also your sentence construction is shit
These shifter paddles being plastic and january being general wintertime in Europe - at what temps did your previous Sensah groupset fail and how’s the current weather in comparison? Also, how long rides do you generally go to? Longer exposure to low temps might make plastic more brittle. Measuring cable pull ratios from all these cheap shifters you’ve collected would be a good topic to nerd on. I’m running 8spd Sensah Reflex brifters in my 1x8 gravel monster, mostly because I like the hood shape a lot and the usability aspect of just one lever has no match, especially when riding with Proper Winter Mittens™️. Thanks for the quality content, Luke! (if that really / still is your name)
Thanks as always for the content Luke. Just picked up the new Sensah Pro 1x for an upcoming MTB build. Just did the Unboxing. But everything looks good. Doesn't mean they will be. One thing I didn't like about the set up is the crank axel is attached to non-drive side. I'm hoping that doesn't cause any stress related issues. But I suppose that's the fun in doing these video's. Anyway congratulations on the continued growth of your channel. Look forward to your next video.
I have these installed installed into my "trash around" bike that I use for foul weather riding and indoor training. I agree with everything Luke has found out. I don't have a carbon bar so I torqued the controllers by feel. I want my controllers to twist and move in case of a crash instead of rigidly installed on the bars. One point I want to tell everyone. The rear derailleur has an 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐁 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐰. So long that I would say it is rather excessive. This led me thinking. L-TWOO themselves make groupsets for mountain bikes. So their experience is with MTB groupsets. The chonky look of the rear derailleur plus its incredible mass tells me it was initially an MTB derailleur. I was using it with their maximum recommended rear sprocket size of 32T on a Shimano R7000 11-32 cassette. So I took a chance. I didn't resize the chain and installed my VG Sports 11-36T cassette. Indexed it and most importantly adjusted the B screw so that it can accommodate the large 36T sprocket. Shifted it up to big chainring-big sprocket combination. You can see the whole system is stressed and you worry for the derailleur but its heft kept it intact. Bringing it to down to small chainring-big sprocket brought relief to the stressed setup. Phew! So if you size your chain correctly, this rear derailleur can use a massive 11-36T wide range cassette.
Thanks for the comment Jin, and I agree with you, it is a massively long b skrew! What you are saying totally makes sense though! Once again the comment section dropping some KNOWLEDGE!!!!
Aright, im thinking of getting a 11-30 on this instead of 11-32 for some stress relief but reading this then 11-34 could even be fine, but ill opt out for 11-32, Thanks
CAMPAGNOLO SHIFTERS with sram DOUBLE TAP SHIFTING is the actual perfect combination ever made, I love campy shifters, but when I ride my cx bike I always am reminded how much nicer sram’s single lever is
Hey Trace, I have this groupset on my winter bike and added some grip tape to the shifter levers. I've cut it to size and now it provides me with enough grip to shift properly in case you are wearing smoother gloves or wet gloves
Definitely want to see a review on the new Sensah shifters. I'm rolling up on 10,000 miles on my grey Sensah Empire's without any issues...even replaced the hoods once. I'll be really curious as to what they have improved.
hey!! please test the new sensah, and try to teach us how to differentiate the old vs new version! also an rank between low budget 11s groupset Sensah, Micronew andd L-TWOO would be best!!!
Happy New years Luke! So glad to see you making material again! Love the detail and depth of the the product review. Informative and interesting as always. I think it's pronounced L2 but as most main land Chinese fail, they often exaggerate parts of the words to seem hip... More humour, more humour!! Loved the cutaways and animations from previous videos!! Voting for you to "get it on" (revised metal Sensah shifters)! Keep up the good work! 👌👌👌 Also, I confess, I bought some Siroko shades... Love them!
Ok wicked, thanks for the comment albert! Had loads of comments to get the Sensah installed, so looks like i'll be breaking out the recabling it this weekend :P
I bit the bullet and bought the Sensah Empire 2x11 groupset, and I'm just waiting for delivery. I was hoping to get a review from you as I trust your in-depth analysis of the components. It's just that I couldn't wait since, like you, I'm putting together a Chinese (mine is the Trifox X10) carbon fibre road bike.
I purchased the L-twoo R7, I didn't like the handling of the changes, as it is not possible to go down gears holding the underside of the handlebars, requiring a huge effort, making a big maneuver with the finger and arm, to reach the device with the thumb. The left side lever is very short, providing little leverage, and thus requiring a great deal of effort to push this lever. In order for you to drive more aggressively, looking to perform, the constant changes and efforts end up twisting the throttle rubber a lot, in my case, it started to dislocate. However, I found the changes to be accurate, I really liked the rear derailleur. I bought the Sensah PHI kit now, I'm going to experiment using the PHI levers, with the R7 delailleurs.
Looks good, is there one thing you would not cheap Ali out on? Cassettes and chains I guess. Btw I’m wondering if you ever had your hands on the igpsport bike computer?
I had been running Sensah Empire (with Ultegra 6800 FD) for almost 4000km until last night. Close to the end of a session on the rollers, the left lever snapped while changing into the big ring 🤯
Got this group a few months back, several hundred miles and counting. Love the styling and I even buffed off the logos. Using this on my Cannondale Slate.
Nice good to know!. Since filming I've put another few hundred miles on them, and they are still absolutely fine. I expected them to break if i am honest, but yeah still good!
How do you buff them off without any damage?
same question, how do you buff the logo?
Are you still using it?
You sir, have evolved. Long gone are the mid 90s colours and servo sunnies XD. Ya boi startin to look freshhhh
Great content Luke! Really appreciate your honest reviews. I am currently building myself a "Chinese" gravel bike, I just installed the Sensah SRX 1x11, as you would say, it's damn tasty!
I plan to transform it later in a commuter e-road bike with the tongsheng middrive motor and a Chinese small battery. Total weight should be under 13kg, and total budget 1500€
Nice! I've heard good things about Sensah's 1x gravel groupset!!!
FINALLY!!!! SOMEONE HAS REVIEWED THIS GROUPSET
Yeah I haven't seen many people cover this L-TWOO R9 setup. I think it must be quite new to the market...
@@TraceVelo it's been a year since it's release i think. But thank you very much for your content! And hopefully you can also review Sagmit SystemOne groupset
Just quick google for sagmit, pretty sure they are rebranded sensah groupset
@@oscar6047088 sagmit and sensah are two different companies and both are independent
@@raphaelcotoner4948 nah, it's exactly same as sensah, just rebranded. It's like different brand of crank on aliexpress with the same item. Luce,litepro, bolany, dra, they sell same item but with their brand slap on it
I'm glad to hear that your name still is Luke 😀
And I would like to see this new Sensah group set
Great review, quite in-depth, looking forward for more of these. It's getting hard to get Shimano groupset nowadays.
These shifters are a hybrid of Campgnolo Ergopower and Shimano's old Sora - thus why the levers collide and the upshift lever isn't accessible from the drops. Campy figured this out and has fixed it on their Ergopower levers.
Definitely looking forward to a re-evaluation of the Sensah stuff.
LTWOO is a Chinese brand. LTWOO was founded in 2014 by a veteran SRAM engineer/R&D leader with 20 years of experience.
They were the ones who worked for SRAM in China, I was told, but the factory in China was later closed. As a result, they decided to make their own bicycle components.
With how grimy your roads look I would appreciate a video on your cleaning routine,as your bike always looks spotless
Those shifters have that Campy Ergopower vibes combined with SRAM paddles, interesting combo.
Yeah definitely, big Campag Centaur vibes
@@TraceVelo Now if only the cable pull ratio is the same as with, oh say a Potenza RD+FD, I could see myself using these (if I were able to make my right thumb reach up the upshift button while on the drops and not strain any joints). I still prefer the arrangement of the microNEW's shifters.
I call them ShimanoRo controllers. :D
they copy SRAM on MTB parts. what makes it so cheap.the funny part is they copy everything that they dont even know some of the features of specific components :DDDD
@@xcbrr50 i think the founder of ltwoo was a head engineer of SRAM in china, that's why it has the same design and engineering
Please review the updated sensah shifters!
Bring on the sensah updated review. I wonder how you know which version you get when order from AliExpress?
@@drewf69 the updated ones have a metal thingy....knowing before you order from aliexpress rather than after you receive them, yeah good luck with that unless maybe if you contact the seller ahead of time preferably in their native language. I received the updated srx pro 1x version a few months ago, they work better than their price, but nothing amazing.
I use Sensah Empire is works well specially rear derailleur work fast and quite well
i got sensah empire too, but, the RD cant bolted tightly on my hanger, there's is some gap between bolt and RD, is it OK if put spacer on it?
Other cyclist: Which bike to use?
Trace Velo: Which groupset/Gearset to use?
Yes man,show us that metal shifting thing in the Sensah.Put them on.I can't wait to see that metal part in there
I laughed so hard when you started to shake the shifters😂😂. I don't know why, but the sound they made was really funny
Thanks for helping me save money, I went with Shimano 105 ;)
They had us in the first half, ngl
Saved more than you with claris ;)
I’d love to see an updated Sensah review.
Hitting the big leagues with the sponsors 😉
Heh, thanks shiny! Yeah I've tried to keep the segments short, and easily skippable for people that aren't bothered!
@@TraceVelo we're just happy for you. Keep that content coming
@@TraceVelo yes for the sensah video from my
Congratulations brother 😁
@@TraceVelo thanks for the Pink Ad-bar, although I'm happily watch it.
Yes mate.. would like to see a review of updated Sensah Empire shifters!
I took a punt and bought the Siroko gilet . It got from Spain to UK in 48 hours. Serious good quality bit of kit. Thanks for the 10% off.
Nice! Glad you like it 😊
We need more videos from you Luke, your average uploads are not enough to satisfy my needs of chinese components
ditto! come on Luke!
Ltwoo, sensah and most aliexpres brands should pay you for make this reviews. U almost making the quality check and telling where to improve.
❤
So I broke down and ordered this set on this videos review and weeks of research. They must have watched this video because everything you said was "wrong" with them they fixed. I mean down to the washer on the clamp and the no indication of last gear and so on the only thing they didn't "fix" is the slick shifters. But I love the look and a little grip tape took care of that. Thanks for your content and letting us with less then deep pockets "update and upgrade our bikes with confidence.
That's right, I've been using this groupset on a new xds bike (ad359 - 2024) and it works quite well, I had a trek with Tiagra 2x10 and in fact I feel so much better this kit!
The mesh back on that vest is genius. I always get the back sweat action and its the only part that ends up uncomfortable
Yeah makes a big difference! #sweatybackgang 👊
When I saw the shifter I already questioning about the release button position. People will having a problem when on the drop position.
I'm glad you had notice about this too.
Please do so right away. I have a set of shifters otw and your point of view as previous user is priceless!!!
Funny that you didn’t mentioned that the levers look very similar to Campy Ergopower.
I was thinking the same thing
Congratulations! You do a great work here. I'm from Peru and as you can imagine all Shimano stuff are really expensive here, so I always watch your videos to have an idea what I'm buying. Actually I've bought MicroNew shifters, I'm still waiting Ali Express' delivery.
Thank for doing this. Greetings from Peru
Sensah has new levers? Please review!
Same levers, just they replaced a few plastic internal parts with metal, should prevent the issues Trace Velo had with his Empire shifters.
Sensah lever has updated its aluminum bracket
Would be interesting to compare these shifters to a Campy groupset (which these are clearly based on) instead of Shimano. For instance, the not reaching the shifter from the drops, or "mushyness" when you're out of gears is actually the same on a Chorus groupset from my experience. Also, being able to "rattle" the shifters by letting the shift part snap back onto the brake part is actually pretty useful if you don't have a bell on the bike in my experience!
Yes!!! Finally, been waiting for the review of this! Thanks mate! 🙏🏼
No worries, hope you enjoyed the video!
Ok... I did some research (a lot actually, enough to keep me up until 3am) so apparently, the reason why there are some 'mis-shifts' is because the pull ratios of the 105 derailleurs and Ltwoo shifters don't match, basically Shimano used this system called 2:1, 2mm pulled cable = 1mm movement of the derailleur, as you may assume, this requires more cable than it needs to be, and SRAM has been using 1:1 cable pull ratios since the beginning, Shimano only started using them starting with Shimano Tiagra 4700 (so 4700 and all following shifters used 1:1 ratios) BUT here's the weird thing about Ltwoo, their 7, 8, and 9 speeds use 1:1 pull ratios BUT ODDLY USES 2:1 pull ratios for their 10 and 11 speed shifters
TLDR: Shimano 105 uses 1:1 pull ratios while the 11-speed Ltwoo Shifters use 2:1 pull ratios which causes some inconsistent shifting, but as long as you do some research and find derailleurs and shifters with the same ratios, you should be fine
(I'm having some trouble with my own setup and I'd appreciate it if you can answer, question will be replied to this comment)
I need your suggestions for my setup between the 10 and 11 speed options I have in mind
10-speed option:
I have the money to buy Tiagra 4600 rd and fd, which should be compatible with Ltwoo's 10-speed shifters as they both use 2:1 cable ratios, now I really plan on using a gold cassette, and so far I'm only able to find 11-36t ones, meaning I HAVE to use a derailleur hanger extender to have smooth shifting (as 4600s are only available in short cages)
11-speed option:
Buy the entire Ltwoo 11-speed gear set, and I've found a gold cassette that will surely fit the derailleur, problem is: idk if I can rely on them, for at least 2 years
Also, the I can buy washers, I'm pretty tinkery with stuff so I don't really mind the extra step. Ltwoo is the only cheap brand I want to use as I currently have Sensah Reflex (8 speed) and I'm not a fan of the double tap thing (Too much hand movement for me, specially in my area which has weird roads and elevations and bridges come out of nowhere, causing me to shift every few kilometers) and Micronews are no-gos as I want full internal cabling (I literally spent months trying to find a good frame with good full internal cabling)
Yes, Sensah please! :)
As a Chinese user. I want to tell you that Ltwoo and Sensah will produce electric shifter in about 3 years，Sensah may release new road groupset with hydraulic brake in 2022.I may give up Shimano because it's so expensive after 2020
I have this group set because of you. I have to say that I'm really happy about it. you helped me lots putting my bike together. Keep going on doing your thing. Not everyone needs top end components. Many thanks.
Is it still working fine 😛 even the sensah set is too much now this seems like a banger
@8butsideways , yes. No problems at all. It still does it's job.
@@stevebrouwers51 thank you very much in india cause of politics aliexpress is banned and company groupset prices don't make any sense shimano 105 set costs as much as my graphics card or my ps5 💀
I will order the ltwoo r9 set from ebay for 110$ that seems fair to a steal for what kind of fuction the thing provides 🥰
I bought a steel touring/sports bicycle for like 300$ its only 14 spd 14-28
New rear wheel
This groupset
New tyres
Shimano 105 cassete and chain
Will set me back 300 more but at that point i have something that branded compnies sell for 2000$ 😎 and mine is steel so its never braking beyond repair
After your fabulous video about your new mechanical disc brake bike, I also bought a new bike with mechanical disc brakes... again with 8-speed Claris R2000... the new 2021 Trek Domane AL 2 Disc, a bit pricey for just a 8-speed groupset, but really nice components (which I nevertheless swap directly like a stem with a -17 degree tilt or a 40 cm short reach handlebar).
For people who want a carefree groupset and can live with 8-speed... Claris R2000 is for you. This is now my second bike with this groupo and I am still thrilled. At some point I also want to jump on the 11-speed bandwagon, until then I'll get what I can out of it.
Yep - certainly interested in seeing the Sensah update - planning a chinese gravel bike build and would be interested in using the Sensah Empire.
As allways, a good review. Please review the updated Sensah´s...
Go for the new sensaaah 🥳
2020 version ?
Okay, I see others have noticed a resemblance to Campagnolo. But, the nut they used to mount the shifter is the same as Campy, right down to no washer. Campagnolo uses a fiber reinforced plastic body that is pretty hard. There is no way you could pull the nut thru, the bolt would snap or bar would collapse first. Plus the fact that those levers look like such soft plastic, I would be afraid to put any stress on them, such as standing up and pedaling while holding them.
So the plastic body of the L-TWOO shifters is actually fibre reinforced, but it's definitely much softer than stuff ive seen used in name brand shifters.
@@TraceVelowhy do you think so? Are the lever hoods made from PA-CF or PA-GF? I think Shimano lever hoods are quite brittle instead, they're made from PA-GF and there were stories of GRX 600 shifters snapping in half because they've been struck the wrong way.
Using Sensah Ignite 2x9 with Sora deraileurs after my Sora shifter failed, surprised by how good it was, other than getting used to the shifting style, it shift perfectly, as good as Shimano. Great purchase at 40% price of the Shimano.
+1 for the updated Sensah Empire testing! But please, ride the LT brifters for some more miles ;)
So ive actually put close to 300 miles on them now. They are still going strong, no major issues...
I'm liking it even before I've watched it! Love your content Luke!
Thanks Sotir!!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thanks for the review. I have ordered this R9 group set too, waiting for them to arrive in the next few days, it will help with my install later on. But do the new sensah review too. Thanks.
Already bought this before watching reviews, and yep, yours is the only one to date, haven't able to search for it cause of "L-TWOO" vs LTWOO, haha
-- ok done watching, i think i should have gone with the sensah empire
edit: 2 weeks in and around 600km of riding, they are OK, pretty usable, only thing i miss is the down shift on the drops.
edit: about 2000kms in and still OK, cannot comment on durability for the left shifter cause im using 1x, going 2x soon. still missing the shifts on drops tho, might swap to sensah soon
Used to do with all down shift? Same with me wkwk
My ltwoo shifters comes with spacers, the one you bought is the one who doesn't have it.. All in all, love your reviews.. Fellow biker from the Philippines
So, I've an old roadie on my Zwift setup, it's badly in need of some tlc after 6 years and about 45k miles..... this solution, as I'll never worry about breaking down, could be ideal. I really don't want to spend loads of money just to stand still.
Oh and another great video - really do like the format, depth, and content.
Yeah this is definitely worth considering for that use case! It's just out on the road, shifting and ergonomics leave quite alot to be desired...
Disappointed you said "reach through" during the siroko part, perfect opportunity to say "reach around"!!!!
Hello! I recently put the LT-Woo GR 7 1x drivetrain on my gravel bike. I like it for the money. It took some adjusting but I give it a B. I'd like the feel of the shifters/shifting to be a bit more crisp but overall I'm happy. It was pretty easy to install and set up, and looks great. I didn't think I'd like the thumb lever to shift to harder gears but I actually quite like it now.
Also, on your recommendation I put the Z-Race cable activated hydraulic brakes on my gravel bike too. I REALLY like those! Huge improvement on the mechanical brakes that came on the bike. Again, took some adjusting but probably no more than any other disc brake. Great, solid feel and confidence inspiring braking.
Thanks for the recommendations! Love watching your channel and your always enthusiastic and interesting commentary!
Great video. I picked up a used Felt frame and decided to try a mostly Aliexpress build, pluys some parts I already had and a used set of Reynolds wheels. The R9 is overall very nice, but I am having a hell of a time getting the front mech to work well, and the front (left) shifter has had the shift lever decide to live more stuck behind the break lever, rather than in its normal/naturalposition. I hope I can sort it out, as other the the FD shifting issues, it overall feels good. RD seems fine. Hoods so far seem a bit uncomfy. Will try repositioning.
Thanks for the review, have not seen many (english) reviews. I bit the bullet anyways. I bought the L-TWOO R9 groupset and for the price they are a great budget alternative. Yes, you do get acclimated to the shifter differences very quickly once you start riding. I'd definitely like to see more milage put on the L-TWOO and review before installing the updated Sensah shifters.
I'm a Sensah user and haven't had any mechanical failures to speak of (yet). Would really love to see the new shifters and see how they perform. If they're sturdy I may have to get them as a backup.
I couldn't get my sensah empire proto get a consistent down change, so I've gone to l.twoo rx but loved the look of the sensah.
Hi Luke, thank you for all fanstatic informative videos. i am really interested for new Sensah 11 speed groupset review video.
I have one of this LTWOO R5 I'm happy announced that LTWOO finally Put a little washer on their latest Shifter model and the little shifter for fd is not colliding with big paddle anymore. LTWOO is listening to there customer.
Def like to see you team up with ETOE to do a paint can spray job on your disk bike.
As always, a brilliant review! And yes, get that Sensah on the bike, we are iching to see if it works!
Alright Andy, ill get them installed!!
Gonna start binge watching your videos, probably might save some money on upgrades
I mean I am a bit biased, but this sounds like a great idea!
Mine just installed yesterday. Damn I cant believe the shifting was so smooth 😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️
You can feel the speed 😍😍❤️❤️
ltwoo updated this same groupset r7 and r9 with a better built quality and performance (minor change in the look). might want to check it out
It seems that the broken parts of the Sensah have already changed to metal ones.
@Mark Spencer it's not Shimano, but nothing is. I have not had any issues with mine 🤞
@Mark Spencer You can buy them seperately, and if I remember correctly, they have a shimano compatible version
@Mark Spencer www.aliexpress.com/item/4001100211913.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.60c1232fFdhCaE&algo_pvid=39c2a70b-321a-4f14-a988-afbcbf81e8fe&algo_expid=39c2a70b-321a-4f14-a988-afbcbf81e8fe-5&btsid=0bb0623616104893601038558e4de7&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
shimano compatible shifters
www.aliexpress.com/item/4001219220422.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.42f42d5b91K8EX&algo_pvid=6535b12e-0d83-4bdd-a2f0-dae345a5939f&algo_expid=6535b12e-0d83-4bdd-a2f0-dae345a5939f-1&btsid=0bb0622916104897319366098e0cf9&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
and here the shifters (sram compatible) alone.
Both are from the sensah store on aliexpress.
@Mark Spencer US $28.07 46%OFF | SENSAH IGNITE Road Bike Shifter 2x8 2x9 Speed Brake Lever Bicycle R7000 Tiagra Sora sensah empire pro sensah groupset
a.aliexpress.com/_BS7A2r
You mean these?
Sensah vs Ltwoo 🙏🏻
@@jmcainglet1533 are you sure lmao? where did u get this information from, it looks like you have no basis at all. also your sentence construction is shit
@@jmcainglet1533 that was Sensah
@@jmcainglet1533 source mo nyang claim mo? UnliAhon?😅
@@jmcainglet1533 HAHAHA WHAT!? Who told you this? Some Chinese promoter? That's alot of bullsh*t
Jempoy memes brought me here
These shifter paddles being plastic and january being general wintertime in Europe - at what temps did your previous Sensah groupset fail and how’s the current weather in comparison? Also, how long rides do you generally go to? Longer exposure to low temps might make plastic more brittle.
Measuring cable pull ratios from all these cheap shifters you’ve collected would be a good topic to nerd on.
I’m running 8spd Sensah Reflex brifters in my 1x8 gravel monster, mostly because I like the hood shape a lot and the usability aspect of just one lever has no match, especially when riding with Proper Winter Mittens™️.
Thanks for the quality content, Luke! (if that really / still is your name)
How is your disc bike? Nice comfy ride, braking? Are the wheels good now you've ridden on them a bit more?
Yeah still loving the bike, I have a slight issue with the fork, but will cover that in another video. The wheels have been flawless tho!
Thanks as always for the content Luke. Just picked up the new Sensah Pro 1x for an upcoming MTB build. Just did the Unboxing. But everything looks good. Doesn't mean they will be. One thing I didn't like about the set up is the crank axel is attached to non-drive side. I'm hoping that doesn't cause any stress related issues. But I suppose that's the fun in doing these video's. Anyway congratulations on the continued growth of your channel. Look forward to your next video.
MSE... the new name of this series of shifters. great work dude, as always
Omg thank you because u are the one who review the ltwoo r9 no one good youtuber revier chinese parts kudos to you ridesafe as always❤️
I have been poking around on aliexpress all week and just ITCHING for a new Trace Velo video. Hooray!
They missed the extra T from the Linus Tech Tips logo, otherwise good job on the ripoff from L-Twoo
I need to resist the urge to plug lttstore
@@TraceVelo I hope you wore socks and sandals whilst making this video.
I have these installed installed into my "trash around" bike that I use for foul weather riding and indoor training. I agree with everything Luke has found out. I don't have a carbon bar so I torqued the controllers by feel. I want my controllers to twist and move in case of a crash instead of rigidly installed on the bars.
One point I want to tell everyone. The rear derailleur has an 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐁 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐰. So long that I would say it is rather excessive. This led me thinking.
L-TWOO themselves make groupsets for mountain bikes. So their experience is with MTB groupsets. The chonky look of the rear derailleur plus its incredible mass tells me it was initially an MTB derailleur. I was using it with their maximum recommended rear sprocket size of 32T on a Shimano R7000 11-32 cassette. So I took a chance. I didn't resize the chain and installed my VG Sports 11-36T cassette. Indexed it and most importantly adjusted the B screw so that it can accommodate the large 36T sprocket. Shifted it up to big chainring-big sprocket combination. You can see the whole system is stressed and you worry for the derailleur but its heft kept it intact. Bringing it to down to small chainring-big sprocket brought relief to the stressed setup. Phew! So if you size your chain correctly, this rear derailleur can use a massive 11-36T wide range cassette.
Thanks for the comment Jin, and I agree with you, it is a massively long b skrew! What you are saying totally makes sense though! Once again the comment section dropping some KNOWLEDGE!!!!
Aright, im thinking of getting a 11-30 on this instead of 11-32 for some stress relief but reading this then 11-34 could even be fine, but ill opt out for 11-32, Thanks
@@TimSoriano did you get one? is it still performing fine?
Another very SoLID production! Always excited to see you post. You should throw in a vid on those integrated bars.
Look forward to seeing the updated sensah shifters!
Ok sweet, will def get them installed!
CAMPAGNOLO SHIFTERS with sram DOUBLE TAP SHIFTING is the actual perfect combination ever made, I love campy shifters, but when I ride my cx bike I always am reminded how much nicer sram’s single lever is
Exactly why I went for this over Sensah. It's about personal preference of the shifters system.
Hell yeah! Another group set video!
can't wait to see your review on the updated Sensah Empire shifters
Fantastic production and video Luke! Can’t wait for the Sensah Review!
10:08 - This issue has been resolved in the new L-TWOO R shifters. Now they come from the factory with washers.
Sensah shifters please!
Imagine just riding down a road and suddenly Luke just vibe checks you with a Shimano 105 R7000 11 speed shifter
yea lets see a review on the updated sensah !
I would like to see the new Sensah shifters AFTER a complete shakedown of the L-Twoos. I want to know how long those flimsy plastic levers last!
this video and test took a lot of times i think
i admire your work
worth a like thumbs up
salute!
Thanks Neo!
Hey Trace,
I have this groupset on my winter bike and added some grip tape to the shifter levers. I've cut it to size and now it provides me with enough grip to shift properly in case you are wearing smoother gloves or wet gloves
Did the plastic shifter levers end up snapping from use?
Finally someone reviewed this ltwoo R9 GS😍
thanks for the time and effort you put into these videos! inspired me to build my own aliexpress bike. hope youre getting some fat youtube money
Definitely want to see a review on the new Sensah shifters. I'm rolling up on 10,000 miles on my grey Sensah Empire's without any issues...even replaced the hoods once. I'll be really curious as to what they have improved.
Been waiting for someone to review this gearset. Thanks for the content pal!
No problem 👍
This what I am talking about. I comment this one on your previous vid. Great vid again! Ride safe
Hey Luke get that empire shifter on and let us know if the issue is resolved, great review btw!
Thanks! Will do!
4k quality !! Amazing !! Great work !
I'm so glad your name is still Luke.
Also I was curious about this groupset since I'm considering a lot to build an aliexpress bike for me
hey!! please test the new sensah, and try to teach us how to differentiate the old vs new version! also an rank between low budget 11s groupset Sensah, Micronew andd L-TWOO would be best!!!
Always look forward to seeing the latest “production”, so yeah. Fit them Sensah bad boys 😎
Happy New years Luke! So glad to see you making material again! Love the detail and depth of the the product review. Informative and interesting as always. I think it's pronounced L2 but as most main land Chinese fail, they often exaggerate parts of the words to seem hip... More humour, more humour!! Loved the cutaways and animations from previous videos!!
Voting for you to "get it on" (revised metal Sensah shifters)!
Keep up the good work! 👌👌👌
Also, I confess, I bought some Siroko shades... Love them!
Thanks P Wan!!! Love your comment and the positivity! P.s. glad you liked the Siroko shades :P
When you are ready to change your groupset I would enjoy your new review of the updated sensah empire set. Thanks for these videos!
Please install that new sensah groupset! It's not like I'm going to get that groupset anyway but i
I really enjoy the video u done.
Ok wicked, thanks for the comment albert! Had loads of comments to get the Sensah installed, so looks like i'll be breaking out the recabling it this weekend :P
Sensah review! Update edition!!! ;-)
can you givethe link for new version ?
It's a shame those suck, I like the faux Campy hood look. Would love to see the new Sensah review!
I bit the bullet and bought the Sensah Empire 2x11 groupset, and I'm just waiting for delivery. I was hoping to get a review from you as I trust your in-depth analysis of the components. It's just that I couldn't wait since, like you, I'm putting together a Chinese (mine is the Trifox X10) carbon fibre road bike.
I purchased the L-twoo R7, I didn't like the handling of the changes, as it is not possible to go down gears holding the underside of the handlebars, requiring a huge effort, making a big maneuver with the finger and arm, to reach the device with the thumb. The left side lever is very short, providing little leverage, and thus requiring a great deal of effort to push this lever. In order for you to drive more aggressively, looking to perform, the constant changes and efforts end up twisting the throttle rubber a lot, in my case, it started to dislocate. However, I found the changes to be accurate, I really liked the rear derailleur. I bought the Sensah PHI kit now, I'm going to experiment using the PHI levers, with the R7 delailleurs.
Looks good, is there one thing you would not cheap Ali out on? Cassettes and chains I guess.
Btw I’m wondering if you ever had your hands on the igpsport bike computer?
I had been running Sensah Empire (with Ultegra 6800 FD) for almost 4000km until last night. Close to the end of a session on the rollers, the left lever snapped while changing into the big ring 🤯
Oh SNAP!! That sucks, was it the older version with the plastic lever?
@@TraceVelo correct
Half an hour long! Really getting us through lockdown 👍
Cheers Keir!