We Bought A Budget Carbon Groupset From AliExpress…
00:18:39GCN Tech

We Bought A Budget Carbon Groupset From AliExpress…

GCN Tech

October 01, 2022

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Description

With bike components getting more and more expensive, budget groupsets from China are becoming an increasingly popular option for cyclists when looking for an upgrade. When Ollie saw a $300 Sensah carbon 12-speed groupset for sale on AliExpress, he had to buy it to have a look at what you get for your money!

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AliExpress Ad
Mid-Year Sale

AliExpressMid-Year Sale

Ends in: 3 days
SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 Groupset

SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 Groupset

Created: June 17, 2026

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.
  • Chain is light (245g) and includes a quick link.
  • Bottom bracket looks decent and uses a common 24mm spindle standard.
  • Price is very low at around £310.

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.
  • Cable-actuated disc brakes are heavy (225g) and likely perform poorly.
  • Brake calipers are from an unknown brand (Nut) and have uneven pad movement.
  • Rear derailleur has rough casting and finish imperfections.
  • Cassette design uses Phillips head bolts that may round out easily.
  • Cassette is hollowed out, raising durability concerns.

MyBikeParts

SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 Speed, 24s Road Groupset carbon fiber Shifter Lever Rear Derailleur  12 chain 170/175MM Crankset

SENSAH EMPIRE PRO 2x12 Speed, 24s Road Groupset carbon fiber Shifter Lever Rear Derailleur 12 chain 170/175MM Crankset

aliexpress.com
aliexpress.com#1005003493952359Affiliate · MyBikeParts
🇩🇪€350.99
🇬🇧£307.59
0.0 (0)
Checked about 7 hours ago