The LTWOO groupset offers exceptional value with reliable hydraulic disc brakes and functional shifting, though it requires careful setup and adjustment to approach Shimano-level performance.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money (typically £110-£160)
- Hydraulic disc brakes perform very well with ceramic pistons
- Includes all necessary components for complete installation
- Good build quality with replaceable jockey wheels and derailleur cage
Cons
- Shifting feel less refined than Shimano with occasional missed shifts during multi-shifting
- Shifter mounting screw placement is awkward behind the hood
- Requires proprietary mounting adapters for calipers with potential fitment issues
- Bleeding process is trickier due to non-standard thread sizes and recessed ports
Key Facts
- Mechanical 11-speed shifting with hydraulic disc brakes
- Weighs 939g (similar to Shimano 105 equivalent)
- Uses mineral oil hydraulic system (not DOT fluid)
Reviews & Ratings
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Can come incredibly close to Shimano levels of performance with a few tweaks.
- Very low cost (108 quid on AliExpress).
- Uses mineral oil for brakes (not DOT fluid).
- Newer versions have a tension adjustment screw built into the front derailleur.
- On the reviewed model, there is a little rubber bumper behind the shift lever to reduce rattle (though older generations lacked this).
Cons
- Out of the box, it is rarely as good as Shimano equivalents.
- Shifting can feel vague or mushy compared to Shimano due to tolerances and return springs.
- The rear derailleurs use a slightly older, more dated design with a standard hanger bolt (not a B-link).
- More sensitive to B-tension adjustment and component wear (chains, cassettes) than Shimano.
- Shifters can rattle (though this can be remedied).
- Bleeding the hydraulic brakes can be trickier: bleed port threads and locations may differ from Shimano, calipers lack proper bleed nipples (just a threaded port), and the recessed bleed ports may require modified adapters.
- The grub screw on the brake lever (a free stroke adjustment) must be unscrewed during bleeding or it can block oil flow.
Key Points
- Cost: 108 quid on AliExpress.
- Type: Mechanical shifting, hydraulic disc brake groupset.
- Brake Fluid: Uses mineral oil.
- Shifter Rattle: Can be an issue; fixed with adhesive bar tape or tape behind the lever. The reviewed model has a rubber bumper.
- Cable Routing: Crucial to reduce friction; recommends full-length cable housing.
- Rear Derailleur: Uses older design, benefits from a larger cable loop.
- B-Tension: More sensitive than Shimano; set upper jockey wheel as close to cassette as possible without grinding.
- Bleeding: Requires a universal bleed kit with various adapters due to non-standard thread sizes and recessed ports. Calipers have a threaded port instead of a bleed nipple.
- Grub Screw: On brake lever is a free stroke adjustment, not reach adjustment. Must be unscrewed during bleeding.
- Front Derailleur: Newer LTWOO groupsets have a built-in tension adjustment screw.
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Exceptional value for money (around £140 for full groupset)
- Hydraulic disc brakes perform 'absolutely fantastic'
- Good build quality with nice finish
- Ceramic brake pistons for better heat dissipation
- Replaceable jockey wheels and derailleur cage
- Uses Shimano BH59 standard for hoses/fittings
- Front derailleur has built-in barrel adjuster
- Includes quality polished gear cables
- Improved shifting after cable routing modification
- Brake calipers are high quality with good machining
Cons
- Shifting feel not as refined as Shimano
- Downshift lever action is heavier than Shimano
- Occasional missed shifts when multi-shifting in big ring
- Shifter clicks less tactile than Shimano
- Requires proprietary mounting adapters for calipers
- Some frames may have fitment issues with adapters
- Front derailleur shifting not as good as Shimano 105
Key Points
- 11-speed mechanical shifting with hydraulic brakes
- Campagnolo-style thumb shifters
- Weighs 939g (similar to equivalent 105 groupset)
- Uses Shimano cable pull ratios (compatible with Shimano derailleurs)
- Includes ceramic/copper brake pads
- Updated version fixes previous shifter rattle issues
- Improved freestroke adjustment mechanism
- Shifting improves dramatically with full-length cable housing
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Ergonomics are nice
- Hydraulic disc brakes are great
- Shifting is spot-on
- Has proven durable over thousands of miles and well over a year of use
- Overall build quality is good
Cons
- Not quite as good as mechanical Shimano 105
- Initial concern about the plastic shift lever potentially snapping (though this did not happen)
Key Points
- Mechanical 11-speed
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Price fluctuates but is around £110
- Plastic shift lever held up despite initial concerns
- Requires proper setup to get close to Shimano performance
The 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.
AI Summary
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Budget-friendly Chinese alternative
- Arrived well-packed despite no original box
- Includes all necessary components (shifters, derailleurs, calipers, hoses)
- Brakes came pre-filled with mineral oil
- Hoses were pre-terminated into calipers
- Includes all necessary bits for 140mm or 160mm rotor setup
- Clear labeling on brake adapters for front/rear and sizes
- Successful installation and bleeding process
- Good performance after installation
Cons
- Shifter mounting screw placement is awkward (behind hood)
- Initial difficulty tightening shifters due to screw placement
- Requires some movement of shifters during hose installation
- First-time bleeding process was somewhat intimidating
Key Points
- 2x11 speed hydraulic disc brake groupset
- Cost £160 from AliExpress
- Includes shifters, front/rear derailleurs, brake calipers, and hoses
- Uses mineral oil hydraulic system
- Compatible with 140mm or 160mm rotors
- Brake adapters clearly labeled for front/rear and sizes
- Hoses come pre-terminated into calipers
- Uses BH59 or BH90 hoses (not specified which)
Where to Buy
LTWOO RX / R9 Disc 2x12s / 2x11s Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset, 6 kit, Benchmark R7170 R8170
Specifications
Attributes
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