The L-TWOO RX 12-speed hydraulic groupset is a budget Chinese alternative that offers impressive value, with shifting and braking performance often compared favorably to Shimano 105, especially after careful setup. However, it suffers from inconsistent quality control, difficult bleeding procedures, fragile carbon levers, and a lack of documentation and warranty support. Buyers willing to tinker and self-install may find it a compelling option, while those expecting out-of-the-box refinement should look elsewhere.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money, costing significantly less than Shimano 105 while offering comparable performance.12
- Shifting performance is crisp and accurate, often compared to Shimano 105, especially after cable routing tweaks.321
- Hydraulic brakes provide strong stopping power with good modulation, comparable to Shimano Ultegra Di2.14
- Lightweight: carbon version weighs ~876g (shifters, derailleurs, calipers), lighter than Shimano 105 disc by ~54g.12
- Compatible with Shimano cassettes, chains, and derailleurs, allowing mix-and-match for improved performance.521
- Multi-shift capability (up to 3-4 gears) via thumb button, similar to Campagnolo.645
- Hoods are comfortable with good rubber quality, and lever reach is adjustable.164
- Includes many components: pre-bled hoses, adapters, bleed blocks, and sometimes rotors and cassette (depending on kit).764
Cons
- Quality control inconsistencies: misaligned caliper mounting holes, chipped paint, and batch-to-batch variation.435
- Brake bleeding is difficult and often requires multiple attempts; calipers lack proper bleed nipples and the reach-adjust screw must be backed off.165
- Carbon shift levers are prone to snapping, both in crashes and during normal use; alloy versions are more durable.451
- Shifting can feel vague or mushy compared to Shimano, with occasional missed shifts and sensitivity to cable tension and B-tension adjustment.1
- Lack of documentation and warranty support; some buyers report warranty claims refused without proof of purchase from deleted chats.35
- Brake lever travel is longer than Shimano, requiring deeper presses; initial brake power may feel weak until pads wear in.32
- Thumb shifter ergonomics can be awkward, especially from the drops, and may be accidentally hit by riders with large hands.645
- Some components are heavier than expected (e.g., cassette 387g) and the groupset may not include rotors, chain, or crankset.432
Key Facts
- Weight: shifters ~556-582g per pair, rear derailleur ~218-220g, front derailleur ~98-108g, total ~876g (carbon) to ~1,221g (with calipers and hoses); claimed 876g, measured 1,207-1,280g depending on configuration.165
- Uses mineral oil and is compatible with Shimano BH59/BH90 hoses and olives; brake pads accept Shimano L05A-style and similar.15
- Shifters use Shimano pull ratios and can be paired with Shimano 10/11/12-speed road derailleurs; many users mix L-TWOO shifters with Shimano derailleurs for better performance.51
- Rear derailleur officially supports up to 34T (some sources say 36T), with users reporting mixed results beyond that; gravel versions handle up to 50T.358
- Brake calipers are flat-mount (70mm spacing) on most versions, with adapters included for 140-180mm rotors; some early versions had post-mount calipers.16
- Price varies widely: ~£108-£200 for alloy/11-speed, ~£250-£355 for 12-speed carbon, and up to $390 from AliExpress.16
- Carbon levers are prone to snapping in crashes or even during normal use; alloy versions are recommended for durability.451
- Bleeding requires backing off the reach-adjust grub screw to avoid blocking the cylinder; calipers lack proper bleed nipples and may need modified adapters.615
Sources
- 1Trace Velo4 sources
- 2Local Alien / CLIFFL-TWOO RX Hydraulic Groupset 12 Speed Carbon. I built a bike with Chinese Budget Roadbike Group Set.
- 3China CyclingL TWOO RX Hydraulic Groupset: We have a problem (Or two)
- 4CADE Media4 sources
- 5ChinertownLTWOO RX hydro sets
- 6Jourdain Coleman2 sources
- 7Peter TreadwayThis Hydraulic Groupset is SO CHEAP!!!
- 8Tom Bowers CyclingI Built a Full Carbon AliExpress Gravel Bike for Under £1000!
Reviews & Ratings
08:59The reviewer purchased an L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset from AliExpress for £355.21. They note that it is a carbon version and that it could potentially replace Shimano 105. The reviewer provides first impressions, mentioning that the components feel solid and well-built, with good tension in the springs and definite shifts. They also comment on the unique thumb shifter design and express curiosity about its real-world performance. The overall weight of the groupset is 1,221 grams (without hydraulic fluid). The reviewer plans to have an expert mechanic install it and will test it on the road in future videos.
17:21The reviewer details the installation process of the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset, highlighting that the installation was challenging, particularly with cable routing and bleeding the front brake. A significant issue arose when the front brake could not be bled, which was eventually traced to the lever adjustment screw being fully screwed in, blocking the cylinder. After adjusting the screw, the brake worked. The reviewer notes that the groupset had high expectations but encountered problems, and only 58% of poll respondents said they would buy it.
12:17The transcript does not contain any discussion of the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset.
10:47The reviewer discusses their experience with the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset, noting its good shifting performance and feel, but mentions some concerns about brake lever travel and initial brake power.
10:47The reviewer discusses their experience with the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset (though they mention they have the aluminum version). They state that the groupset has met their expectations, functioning well and being comparable to a Shimano 105. They note some minor issues but overall recommend it for the price.
08:21The reviewer unboxes and provides a first look at the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset, noting that it is a budget-friendly 12-speed groupset from AliExpress. They comment on its appearance, which is inspired by Campagnolo, and discuss the included components, which are a mix of L-TWOO and Z-Race parts. The reviewer weighs the components and shares their initial impressions, noting that the groupset appears well-made for the price but that the cassette is heavy.
11:03The reviewer, a pro mechanic, finds the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset surprisingly impressive for its price, noting good shifting performance, comfortable hoods, and a clever dual-position lever design. However, he raises concerns about build quality, particularly the misaligned brake caliper mounting holes and chipping paint, and notes that while it doesn't match the big three groupsets in crispness, it shows potential.
07:03The reviewer's first ride with the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s groupset was marred by a broken left shifter, which snapped off immediately after assembly. Despite this, the brakes were praised as exceptionally good, and the right-hand shifting worked well. The reviewer noted ergonomic issues with the levers and a fiddly reach adjustment mechanism, and expressed concerns about the lack of support from bike shops for such groupsets.
09:08The reviewer installs the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset on a race bike, noting its premium feel and good shifting performance, but highlights issues with brake cable return on internally routed frames and inability to shift from the drops.
11:57The reviewer discusses the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset, which they purchased from AliExpress for 300 pounds. They note it is the first hydraulic groupset from an AliExpress brand and comment on its appearance, saying it looks nice and has gold accents. They weigh the components and compare them to Shimano 105, indicating that 105 is the benchmark. They express excitement to test it on a bike in a future episode.
13:39The reviewer discusses the LTWOO (referred to as 'L2' or 'L2 group set') R9 disc groupset, which they state costs 108 quid on AliExpress. They explain that while cheaper groupsets like this are rarely as good as Shimano equivalents out of the box, with specific tweaks they can come incredibly close to Shimano levels of performance. The video is dedicated to sharing tips for improving the performance of this and similar budget groupsets. The tips cover mechanical shifting, cable routing, component wear, shifter rattle, and the specific process for bleeding the hydraulic brakes, including unique features like a grub screw on the brake lever. The reviewer also mentions that newer LTWOO groupsets have a tension adjustment screw on the front derailleur.
15:28The reviewer unboxes and provides initial impressions of the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset, highlighting its high-quality materials, thoughtful design improvements over previous versions, and overall positive first impression. They note that while the price was higher than retail due to purchasing from a reseller, the groupset appears to offer good value. They also mention some concerns about the left shifter stiffness and the use of post-mount calipers, but overall they are impressed and eager to test it on a bike.
23:02The reviewer tested the L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset for six months and 1200 miles. He found it to be a great value, with easy installation, excellent braking performance, and good shifting overall, but noted some issues with 12-speed indexing sensitivity, minor corrosion on some parts, and a potential for carbon lever breakage. He recommends the 11-speed version for better reliability and cost-effectiveness.
20:21The reviewer discusses the LTWOO R9 Disc groupset extensively, highlighting its exceptional value as an alternative to Shimano's 105 groupset. They note it offers hydraulic disc brakes and 11-speed functionality at a fraction of Shimano's price (around £140). The reviewer praises the braking performance as 'absolutely fantastic' and mentions good build quality with features like ceramic brake pistons and replaceable jockey wheels. However, they critique the shifting performance as being slightly inferior to Shimano's, particularly in feel and multi-shift reliability, though this improves significantly when modifying the cable routing. The reviewer concludes it's an excellent value proposition despite minor shortcomings.
40:22The reviewer discusses the Ltwoo Rx Grt R9 Gr9 Road Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake 11/12s Shifter Carbon Fiber Groupset Hydraulic Caliper Rear Derailleur Set, highlighting its features and initial impressions during installation.
40:22The reviewer discusses the LTWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset, highlighting its features and initial impressions during installation.
20:39The reviewer discusses the LTWOO RX 12 groupset, specifically mentioning the rear derailleur and brake levers from the 12-speed RX groupset. They note that the rear derailleur, originally from the RX groupset, was used as an upgrade on an 11-speed bike, and it worked flawlessly. The brake levers from the RX groupset were also used as a weight-saving replacement, being significantly lighter than the stock aluminium ones.
17:37The reviewer states that the LTWOO R9 Disc groupset is a fantastic option for its unrivaled value. They have used it for well over a year and thousands of miles with zero problems, praising its ergonomics, hydraulic disc brakes, and spot-on shifting.
20:34The reviewer briefly mentions the LTWOO RX / R9 Disc 2x12s / 2x11s Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset, 6 kit, Benchmark R7170 R8170 but does not provide detailed analysis.
15:04The reviewer states that the Ltwoo GR9 groupset inspired the entire project and provides a detailed initial assessment. They are impressed with the finish quality of the shifters and hoods, note the rear derailleur has a strong clutch and large cage for gravel use, and praise the brake calipers' appearance and value.
42:22The reviewer discusses the LTWOO R9 2x11 speed hydraulic disc brake groupset used in a gravel bike build for their son. They mention it's their first time using a budget Chinese groupset from LTWOO and their first experience with hydraulic disc brakes. The groupset arrived well-packed without its original box (a cost-saving measure), and includes shifters, front/rear derailleurs, brake calipers, and hoses. The reviewer notes the brakes came pre-filled with mineral oil and had hoses already terminated into the calipers. Installation required some adjustments, particularly with the shifter mounting screws being awkwardly placed behind the hoods. The reviewer successfully installed and bled the brakes, finding the process less difficult than anticipated.
28:10The reviewer discusses the LTWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset extensively throughout the video. They mention that the group set is close to being great but has some issues. The shifting is described as perfect, with crisp and reliable performance, but the brake lever travel is initially too long, making braking feel spongy and less effective, especially in the drops. The reviewer later discovers an adjustment screw that fixes the brake lever issue, significantly improving performance. They also note that the group set does not come with rotors, which causes compatibility issues with Shimano rotors. The reviewer highlights the lack of instructions as a major drawback but ultimately finds the group set to be a promising, affordable option once adjusted properly.
The L-TWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Carbon Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset is a budget-oriented groupset from Chinese manufacturer L-TWOO. It features a Campagnolo-style thumb shifter mechanism, hydraulic disc brakes, and a mix of carbon and alloy components. Users report weights around 1248g for the 11-speed R9 version and similar for the RX, with shifters around 582g, brakes 372g, rear derailleur 218g, and front derailleur 108g. The groupset uses mineral oil, flat-mount calipers (with adapters for other mounts), and is compatible with Shimano 11/12-speed pull ratios, allowing mixing with Shimano derailleurs. Prices vary but have been around $200-$400 USD for alloy versions and up to $600 for carbon. While praised for value, weight, and braking performance, common complaints include poor rear derailleur quality, stiff shifting, difficult bleeding, fragile carbon levers, and lack of documentation and support.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight compared to Shimano 105, with shifters and calipers offering weight savings.
- Braking performance is good, especially with ZRace XG calipers or after proper bleeding.
- Compatible with Shimano derailleurs and cassettes, allowing mix-and-match for better performance.
more pros in the review
Cons
- Rear derailleur quality is poor: weak spring, useless b-screw, and requires pulley upgrades to shift well.
- Shifters are stiff and require high force, especially the thumb shifter, and can be uncomfortable.
- Carbon shift levers are prone to breaking; alloy versions are recommended.
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Weights: Shifters ~582g, Brakes with hoses and adapters ~372g, Rear derailleur ~218g, Front derailleur ~108g (post:41756).
- Uses mineral oil and flat-mount calipers with adapters for other mounts (post:44905, post:44906).
- Compatible with Shimano 11/12-speed pull ratios; can use Shimano derailleurs (post:50151, post:83773).
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
| Rating | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
pandapodium.ccAffiliate · MyBikeParts | – | $369 | – | 4.0(1) |
aliexpress.com#1005006449025000Affiliate · MyBikeParts LTWOO Official Store98% positive Price last checked 2 months ago | 4.7(49)229 sold | |||
aliexpress.com#1005005035663529Affiliate · MyBikeParts 318Bike Store4.9/5 · 97% positive Price last checked 2 months ago | 5.0(3)51 sold | |||
de.aliexpress.com#1005005385570925Affiliate · MyBikePartsOFFLINE ZRACE Official Store4.9/5 · 97% positive Price last checked about 2 years ago | €360 | $313 | £254 | 0.0(0) |
de.aliexpress.com#1005005254434033Affiliate · MyBikePartsOFFLINE Jerry Bicycle Store4.3/5 · 98% positive Price last checked about 2 years ago | €330 | $290 | £232 | 0.0(0) |
Specifications
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