The SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 groupset offers good value with lightweight carbon components and reliable shifting, but suffers from poor stock brakes, setup difficulties, and some quality inconsistencies.
Pros
- Lightweight carbon fiber shifters and rear derailleur.
- Crisp, positive shifting with loud click.
- Front derailleur has trimming and shifts quickly.
- Shifters comfortable with reach adjustment.
Cons
- Cannot brake and shift simultaneously.
- Long lever throw for upshifts, causing wrist discomfort.
- Stock cable disc brakes are poor and spongy.
- Setup and tuning difficult, especially rear derailleur cable routing.
Key Facts
- Shifters weigh 410g per pair, 90g lighter than Shimano 105.
- Rear derailleur weighs 195-200g, 30g lighter than Shimano 105.
- Front derailleur weighs 95-101g, similar to Shimano 105.
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer provides a first impressions unboxing and analysis of the SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 speed groupset. They note that the shifters and derailleurs look promising, with carbon-effect levers and a light weight. However, they express concerns about the crankset being heavy and low quality, and the cable-actuated disc brakes being subpar. Overall, the groupset offers good value for the price but has some compromises.
AI Summary
Pros
- Shifters and derailleurs look nice and are lighter than Shimano 105.
- Shifters have a lever reach adjust bolt.
- Cassette is light (224g) and has machined ramps for shifting.
more pros in the video
Cons
- Crankset is heavy (1035g) and appears low quality, with scuffed paint out of the box.
- Crankset uses a design similar to Shimano, potentially infringing on patents.
- Crankset chainrings are stamped steel, not as good as Shimano.
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Groupset is 2x12 speed, mechanical (cable-actuated).
- Shifters weigh 224g each, lighter than Shimano 105 (238g).
- Rear derailleur weighs 200g, lighter than Shimano 105 (220g).
more key points in the video
The reviewer tests the SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 Speed groupset from AliExpress, finding it functional but with notable compromises. The shifting is intuitive but has a long lever throw, making simultaneous braking and shifting difficult. Front derailleur shifting is sluggish and requires backing off power, especially under load. The mechanical disc brakes are underwhelming, with lever pull reaching the handlebars during an emergency stop. The groupset is lightweight overall, but the crankset is heavy, and the cassette appears decently made.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight derailleurs and shifters
- Intuitive shifting method similar to SRAM mechanical
- Cassette larger sprockets machined from one piece, fairly well made
more pros in the video
Cons
- Long lever throw for shifting into easier gear
- Cannot shift while braking
- Front derailleur shifting is laggy and slow, especially under load
more cons in the video
Key Points
- 2x12 speed, 24s groupset
- Carbon fiber shifters and rear derailleur
- Mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rear and 180mm front rotors
more key points in the video
The reviewer tested the SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 speed groupset over three months of commuting. They found the shifters ergonomic but short, with crisp shifting and a loud click. The front derailleur shifts quickly, and the rear derailleur performs well after proper setup. The crankset is lightweight and looks good. However, they noted issues with simultaneous braking and shifting, setup difficulty, and a rear derailleur alignment problem when switching chainrings. The brakes included are poor and should be replaced. Overall, the groupset is recommended for commuting due to its low cost, light weight, and wide gear range, but it may not be as robust as Shimano 105.
AI Summary
Pros
- Shifters have good ergonomic feel and crisp shifting with loud click
- Front derailleur shifts quickly, comparable to Di2
- Rear derailleur shifting is smooth and crisp after proper setup
more pros in the video
Cons
- Hoods are too short, causing pressure on hands
- Cannot brake and shift simultaneously
- Setup is difficult, especially cable routing on rear derailleur
more cons in the video
Key Points
- 2x12 speed, 24-speed groupset
- Carbon fiber shifters and rear derailleur
- 170/175mm crankset
more key points in the video
The reviewer, Diwa from Wiser Biker, tested the Sensah Empire Pro groupset for over a year and 2,000 km. He found it to be a lightweight, affordable 2x12 speed groupset with carbon fiber components, offering good value compared to Shimano 105, but noted some issues with shifting lever throw and difficulty in tuning.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight: shifters 90g lighter than Shimano 105, rear derailleur 30g lighter, total 120g lighter for shifters and derailleurs.
- Affordable: priced at $193 USD or 263 Singapore dollars, significantly cheaper than Shimano 105.
- Carbon fiber brake lever and rear derailleur cage.
more pros in the video
Cons
- Cannot brake and shift simultaneously.
- Large lever throw for shifting, which can cause wrist discomfort.
- More difficult to tune and index compared to Shimano groupsets.
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Shifters weigh 410g per pair; Shimano 105 shifters weigh 500g.
- Front derailleur weighs 95g (same as Shimano 105).
- Rear derailleur weighs 195g (30g lighter than Shimano 105).
more key points in the video
The reviewer tested the SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 speed groupset over a thousand miles, including a ride through Europe. They found the groupset to be good value, comparable to mechanical 105, with reliable shifting and comfortable ergonomics, but noted issues with the stock brakes and some quality inconsistencies.
AI Summary
Pros
- Shifters are comfortable and small, with good ergonomics.
- Lever reach adjustment is available.
- Shifting is clicky, positive, and reliable even when dirty.
more pros in the video
Cons
- Stock cable disc brakes were poor and spongy, especially with internal routing.
- Hood material inconsistency (one smooth, one rough).
- Sharp pivot point on shifters can spike hand, though it can be pressed in.
more cons in the video
Key Points
- 12-speed, 2x groupset with 50/34T crankset and 11-34T cassette.
- Shifters have lever reach adjustment.
- Front derailleur has multiple trim positions.
more key points in the video
Where to Buy
SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 Speed, 24s Road Groupset carbon fiber Shifter Lever Rear Derailleur 12 chain 170/175MM Crankset
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
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