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Electronic groupsets have revolutionized cycling by offering precise, efficient, and almost maintenance-free shifting. However, one of their most commonly cited drawbacks is the price. This is around $4500 for a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12spd and even higher for Campagnolo Super Record WRL!
The solution? Chinese electronic groupsets, of course! But is that really the case? In this article, I’ll examine a few areas to consider when dealing with Chinese groupsets and what you shouldn’t forget before buying one.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Although Chinese electronic groupsets may seem like a good option at first glance, they are not yet up to par with established brands in terms of quality and reliability. Problems may start to occur in the long term. Therefore, I recommend adjusting your expectations.
The Rise of Chinese Groupset Manufacturers
Chinese manufacturers like L-TWOO, Sensah, Wheeltop, and others have made significant progress in the cycling industry. They’ve become known for producing affordable groupsets that appeal to cyclists looking for budget-friendly options.
You probably first heard about them in the last 2-3 years. Their rise during a pandemic can, in retrospect, be seen as easily predictable.
The problem with groupsets from Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo is primarily their high price. The table below shows an indicative list of prices for Shimano road groupsets.
| Shimano | Price |
|---|---|
| 105 (R7100) | ~$1190 |
| 105 Di2 (R7150) | ~$1900 |
| Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | ~$2500 |
| Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | ~$4500 |
Despite the high prices, Shimano dominates the market. My research from 2023 showed that 70% of new road bikes have a Shimano groupset.
Quality and Reliability
Chinese electronic groupsets have improved in quality and reliability over the years. However, they are still not at the level of established brands. The price is often tempting, but perhaps because of it, many groups have quality or reliability issues.
You can find plenty of reviews on YouTube. One of them is from TraceVelo, whose derailleur stopped working.
And even Joe from China Cycling didn’t avoid problems.
Although the progress of Chinese bike companies is impressive, their products are not 100% yet. It bothers me that many Chinese manufacturers rush products to market and use their customers as beta testers. Unfortunately, this is also true of some Chinese carbon wheels.
Since all operations are run out of China, claiming a warranty or solution is not as easy as coming to a local distributor.
Performance Comparison
Performance-wise, Chinese groupsets have come a long way. I personally tried out the L-Twoo 12-speed wireless groupset at Eurobike 2023. The first impression was not good. The shifting wasn’t precise, so I left feeling disappointed.
However, I gave the set another chance the next day and was surprised. Supposedly, it was mistuned from the previous day.
While it didn’t match my Ultegra Di2 12spd or the 11spd, I was impressed. The shifting felt smooth and quick. I wish I could try it outside.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Chinese groupsets are much more affordable than their non-Chinese counterparts, and this cost-effectiveness is one of their main selling points.
The L-Twoo wireless 12spd road bike groupset retails for around $850 on Aliexpress. It is a much more interesting prospect when compared with the Shimano 105 Di2 (semi-wireless) or SRAM Rival AXS (wireless).
But as I explained earlier, a lower price means compromises in some areas. You shouldn’t expect the same level of quality and user experience.
Warranty and Customer Support
The last important things to discuss are the warranty and customer support. We vividly remember the Shimano cranks recall that shook the entire industry.
However, thanks to the worldwide distributor network, it is relatively easy to get a solution. It is more difficult with Chinese manufacturers because they do not have this network.
I also often find that customer support agents don’t speak English well or lack the necessary knowledge. However, I recognize that I am seeing progress in this area, too, thanks to increasingly better translators and education.
With manufacturers serious about penetrating Western markets, you have a higher chance of positively solving any problems. However, I always recommend that you read the warranty and claim policy.
Why Is It So Hard to Develop a Cycling Groupset?
Let’s go back for a moment to the dominance of Shimano and SRAM (about 97% of new road bikes in 2023 had groupsets from one of these two companies). Why is it so hard for other manufacturers to break through?
I asked this question to several representatives of not only Chinese companies at Eurobike 2023. And the answer? Patents!
Besides the technological complexity, patents are the main reasons why it’s hard to hack market dominance.
For example, Shimano has patented “hidden” buttons on the Di2, and with SRAM, you can swap batteries between the rear and front derailleur.
I understand that protecting intellectual property is important, but in this case, it means that consumers are paying high prices and not getting much innovation.
Conclusion
Buying or avoiding Chinese electronic bicycle groupsets depends on your priorities as a cyclist. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize cost-effectiveness, the Chinese groupsets can be a good choice. However, it’s crucial to research specific brands and read user reviews to make an informed decision.
Remember that the cycling industry is continually evolving, and despite some Chinese manufacturers having stepped up their game, they are not there yet. The best alternative might be buying a discounted older groupset (like the Shimano 105 R70x0) or a second-hand one.
What are your thoughts on the current state of Chinese (electronic) groupsets? Let me know in the comments. Below, I list some popular options.
