The Magene QED groupset is a competitively priced Chinese electronic groupset that has generated significant controversy due to reported brake failures linked to a potential design flaw in its hydraulic system, raising serious safety concerns despite its technical features.
Pros
- Competitive pricing (approximately $422-$670)
- Convertible between rim and hydraulic brakes via upgrade kit
- Lighter weight than Shimano 105 Di2
- Good battery life (2500 km claimed)
Cons
- Potential design flaw in hydraulic system where insufficient fluid reservoir may cause brake failure as pads wear down
- Complete brake failure incidents reported, allegedly causing crashes and injuries
- Currently only available through authorized channels in the Chinese domestic market
- Company response criticized for blaming users rather than addressing potential design issues
Key Facts
- Hydraulic disc brake system with electronic shifting
- Claimed weight 784g for hydraulic version (excluding calipers)
- 10-12 speed compatibility via firmware adjustment
Reviews & Ratings
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Competitive pricing (around $422-$545)
- Convertible between rim and hydraulic brakes via upgrade kit
- Lighter weight than Shimano 105 Di2
- Compatible with 10-12 speeds via firmware adjustment
- Good battery life (2500 km)
- Fast shift times (0.3s front, 0.9s rear)
- Gear protection mechanism similar to Shimano/SRAM
- Manufacturer has existing scale and OEM relationships
- Good value proposition compared to competitors
Cons
- Not ideal for gravel (limited to 34T max cassette)
- Currently only available in select Chinese retailers
- Installation may be complex for average home mechanics
- Dependent on OEM adoption to gain market traction
- Risk of translation errors in specifications
Key Points
- Two variants: rim brake and disc brake
- 10-12 speed compatibility via firmware
- Front derailleur supports 50-54T chainrings
- Uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, and ANT+
- 3-hour charge time, 800 mAh battery
- Shift times: 0.9s rear, 0.3s front
- Weight: 784g for hydraulic version (excluding calipers)
- Calipers: 230g (CNC) or 260g (forged)
- Price: 3,999 RMB (rim), 3,999 RMB (disc)
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Magene took the incident seriously and provided detailed investigation reports
- Magene created an English version of the accident report for transparency
- The groupset passed Magene's extreme wear test (pads worn to backing plate) after proper bleeding
- Standard bleeding equipment can be used with possible adapter needs
Cons
- Reported braking failure incident resulting in crash and injury
- Potential bleeding difficulty due to recessed bleed port requiring extension nozzle
- Threading on bleed port may not match Shimano standard, requiring adapters
- Both brakes reportedly failed simultaneously in the incident, which is unusual
- Reviewer cannot independently test due to unavailability in UK market
Key Points
- Incident involved brake pads worn beyond permissible limits with wear indicator exposed
- Magene's investigation found less brake fluid than required in the original setup
- No oil leakage observed around caliper in investigation
- Separate hydraulic systems for front and rear brakes make simultaneous failure unlikely
- 80% of braking on steep descents typically done with front wheel on road/gravel bikes
- Magene tested with identical groupset, same wheel and rotor as crash incident
- Original crash groupset was not available for testing as user chose not to provide it
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- The groupset looks really nice and polished
- Everything seems nicely polished
Cons
- Reported brake failure with significant pad material remaining
- Allegedly caused a crash and broken leg
- Only available in China currently
- Potential design issue with reservoir capacity or bleeding
- Undermines trust in Chinese cycling products
Key Points
- Hydraulic disc brake groupset
- Only available on Chinese domestic market
- Reported failure occurred with about one-third pad material remaining
- Pistons allegedly didn't extend far enough to compress pads onto disc
- Magene claims incident was isolated case from specific usage scenario, not design flaw
- Magene conducted full investigation with site inspections and testing
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Magene QED groupset is only sold through authorized channels in China, which the reviewer praises as controlled distribution
- Magene responded quickly to the incident by sending technicians to inspect the bike and provided a wheelchair as a gesture
Cons
- Critical design flaw in QED brake system where calipers fail to maintain contact with rotor when pads are worn down
- Complete brake failure in both front and rear brakes led to a serious crash requiring surgery
- Magene's initial response blamed the user rather than acknowledging the product flaw
- The brake reservoir is insufficiently sized to allow pad contact at extreme wear limits
- Magene has a history of high failure rates with some electronic components according to the reviewer
- Poor after-sales attitude and culture from Magene based on reviewer's experience
- The product was released without adequate extreme condition testing
Key Points
- Magene QED groupset is only available in Chinese domestic market, not in Western markets
- The incident occurred in August with a cyclist named Dingf who was using the QED groupset on a complete Chinese build
- Independent mechanics tested the system by grinding brake pads to bare metal and found only the QED system failed to maintain rotor contact
- When tested against Shimano Ultegra R8170 calipers, the limiting factor was the QED brake reservoir design
- The cyclist had only ridden about 600km (under 400 miles) before the failure occurred
- Magene released an official statement blaming lightweight rotors, resin pads, and unauthorized installation rather than the product design
- The QED system has been on the Chinese market for about a year since its release in late 2024
cyclistshub.com
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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Will be available for both rim and disc brakes
- Uses the same shifters for both brake types
- Shifter can be converted for disc brakes
- Competitive pricing (4799 CNY or 670 USD according to comment)
- Expected to integrate Magene P505 power meters
- Growing competition from Chinese manufacturers could benefit consumers
Cons
- Appears to be a close copy of Shimano design
- Potential patent infringement concerns
- Lacks originality according to reviewer
Key Points
- Semi-wireless 2×12spd electronic road groupset
- Revealed at 2024 China International Bicycle Fair in Shanghai
- Available for both rim and disc brakes
- Same shifters work for both brake types
- Shifter has hole for hydraulic disc brakes and mechanical brake cable
- Resembles Shimano 105 series design
- Has 'hidden buttons' like Shimano D-Fly but on inside of derailleur
- Expected release: this year in China, next year globally
- Price: 4799 CNY or 670 USD (from comments)
- May integrate Magene P505 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
- May not be designed for heavier riders (over 100kg/220lbs) according to some discussions
Key Points
- Hydraulic disc brake system
- Electronic shifting
- Primarily available in Chinese market
- Competes with LTwoo and Wheeltop groupsets
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
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