The Magene QED groupset offers competitive pricing and features but is marred by a serious brake failure controversy, with independent testing suggesting a design flaw in the hydraulic reservoir. While praised for its value and innovation, concerns about safety, availability, and after-sales support temper its appeal.
Pros
- Competitive pricing compared to Shimano 105 Di2 and other electronic groupsets.12
- Convertible between rim and hydraulic disc brakes via upgrade kit.12
- Lighter weight than Shimano 105 Di2.1
- Compatible with 10-12 speed cassettes via firmware adjustment.1
- Fast shift times (0.3s front, 0.9s rear) and good battery life (2500 km).1
- Gear protection mechanism similar to Shimano/SRAM.1
- Manufacturer has existing scale and OEM relationships, potentially aiding market adoption.1
- Magene took the brake failure incident seriously, conducted an investigation, and provided an English report.3
- Reportedly outselling competitors LTwoo and Wheeltop in the Chinese market.4
Cons
- Critical brake failure risk: calipers fail to maintain rotor contact when pads are worn, leading to complete loss of braking (caused a crash).234
- Magene's initial response blamed the user rather than acknowledging potential design flaw.24
- Limited availability: only sold through select Chinese retailers, not internationally.123
- Potential bleeding difficulties due to recessed bleed port and non-standard threading.3
- Installation may be complex for average home mechanics.1
- Not ideal for gravel due to limited max cassette size (34T).1
- Design closely resembles Shimano, raising patent infringement concerns and lacking originality.2
- Poor after-sales attitude and culture from Magene based on reviewer's experience.2
Key Facts
- Semi-wireless 2×12spd electronic road groupset, available for rim and disc brakes, with same shifters for both.2
- Claimed shift times: 0.3s front, 0.9s rear; battery life 2500 km; charge time 3 hours (800 mAh).1
- Weight: hydraulic version 784g (excluding calipers); calipers 230g (CNC) or 260g (forged).1
- Price: 3,999 RMB (approx. $422-$545) for both rim and disc variants; blog mentions 4799 CNY (~$670).12
- Compatible with 10-12 speeds via firmware; front derailleur supports 50-54T chainrings.1
- Uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, and ANT+ connectivity.1
- Available only in Chinese domestic market; not yet sold internationally.234
- Independent testing found that when brake pads are worn to the backing plate, the QED calipers fail to maintain rotor contact, unlike Shimano Ultegra R8170.2
- Magene's investigation concluded the crash was due to worn pads and improper bleeding, not a design flaw; they provided an English report.3
Reviews & Ratings
14:23The reviewer analyzes the Magene QED electronic groupset, highlighting its competitive pricing, convertible brake system, and potential to challenge established brands like Shimano and SRAM through OEM partnerships.
07:18The reviewer discusses a reported braking failure incident involving the Magene QED groupset, where a user crashed after losing braking on a descent. Magene investigated and concluded the issue was due to worn brake pads and improper bleeding, not a design flaw. The reviewer finds Magene's evidence credible but cannot independently verify due to lack of access to the groupset.
15:40The reviewer discusses a reported safety issue with the Magene QED groupset where a user allegedly experienced brake failure with about one-third of pad material remaining, causing a crash and broken leg. The reviewer cannot personally test the groupset as it's only available in China, but speculates the issue might involve insufficient reservoir capacity or bleeding difficulties. Magene's official statement claims it was an isolated case caused by specific usage, not a design flaw.
37:23The reviewer discusses a serious safety incident involving the Magene QED groupset where a cyclist crashed due to complete brake failure. The analysis reveals a design flaw in the QED brake system where, unlike Shimano, SRAM, or LTwo systems, the calipers fail to maintain contact with the rotor when brake pads are worn down, creating a dangerous gap that eliminates braking power. Magene initially blamed the user for improper installation and component choices, but independent mechanic testing confirmed the system's inherent flaw.
The reviewer reports that Magene showcased a new semi-wireless 2×12spd electronic road bike groupset called QED at the 2024 China International Bicycle Fair. The reviewer notes it resembles Shimano's design, will be available for both rim and disc brakes using the same shifters, and is expected to release in China this year and globally next year. The reviewer expresses concerns about potential patent infringement but acknowledges competitive pricing and potential integration with Magene's power meters.
The Magene QED groupset is a Chinese electronic groupset that has generated significant controversy due to a reported brake failure incident. Forum discussions focus heavily on a potential design defect where the hydraulic shifters may not provide enough fluid volume to properly actuate the brakes as pads wear, potentially leading to complete brake failure under certain conditions. While some users report it has outsold competitors like LTwoo and Wheeltop in China, the primary concern is safety and reliability. The product's availability outside China appears uncertain, and discussions compare it to established brands like Shimano 105 Di2 and other Chinese alternatives.
AI Summary
Pros
- Reportedly outselling competitors LTwoo and Wheeltop combined in the Chinese market
Cons
- Potential design defect in hydraulic shifters where insufficient fluid reservoir may cause brake failure as pads wear down
- Company response criticized as gaslighting - blaming users, unauthorized installation, or pad/rotor choices rather than addressing potential design issues
- Unpolished products with poor customer support and proprietary designs according to some users
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Hydraulic disc brake system
- Electronic shifting
- Primarily available in Chinese market
more key points in the review
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
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