Did their disc brakes really fail? - Magene responds
00:07:18Trace Velo

Did their disc brakes really fail? - Magene responds

Trace Velo

4 de septiembre de 2025

Ver en YouTube
Descripción

The new QED electronic road bike groupset from the Chinese manufacturer Magene, has recently come under scrutiny after a reported disc brake failure.

https://youtu.be/AK3V_emmGkI

In the last episode which you can find above, I discussed this reported issue, and used it as an opportunity to test a number of other Chinese disc brake groupsets that I have from the likes of L-TWOO, Sensah, and Wheeltop, for any similar issues.

Since that episode went live, I’ve been chatting with Magene, and they’ve sent over some interesting documentation. They’ve done some additional product testing, and are confident that the braking problem did not stem from an issue with the groupset.

So in this episode, I will discuss the issue, go over the evidence that Magene has provided, and give my own thoughts on the situation as a whole.

Magene Test Report Doc and Video:
https://imgur.com/a/magene-qed-braking-test-report-ynboGn7

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro and reported issue
01:03 – Report overview
02:11 – Conclusions from Magene
02:41 – My followup questions
04:36 – Did both brakes fail?
05:05 – Testing brakes with no pad material
05:49 – Conclusion & my thoughts

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tracevelo/

Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com

Please note:
I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.

In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!

Keywords: Magene QED,Brake failure,Disc brake failure,Bicycle disc brake failure,Road bike disc brake,Disc brake issues,Chinese road bike groupsets,magene,hydraulic disc brake,Chinese groupset,Chinese electronic groupset,L-TWOO R9 Disc brakes,L-TWOO R9 Disc,Disc brake test,Bicycle disc brake test,Magene groupset,QED,QED groupset

Transmisión & FrenosGrupo

Magene QED Groupset

Creado: 29 de marzo de 2026
Las 4 reseñas para esta pieza de bicicleta

The reviewer discusses a reported safety incident involving the Magene QED groupset, where a user allegedly lost braking and crashed. The reviewer details Magene's investigation into the incident, which concluded the crash was due to critically worn brake pads and insufficient brake fluid (improper bleeding), not a design flaw. Magene tested the groupset with the worn pads from the crash and with pads worn to the backing plate, and reported normal braking function in both cases. The reviewer is inclined to believe Magene's findings but cannot be 100% certain as they have been unable to test the groupset themselves, as Magene declined to send a sample for review until it is available outside China. The reviewer commends Magene for taking the incident seriously and providing a public report.

Resumen IA

Pros

  • Magene appears to have taken the incident seriously, engaging with the reviewer and providing a public English report.
  • Magene's own testing, which the reviewer has seen evidence of, suggests the groupset can brake even with pads worn to the backing plate after a proper bleed.

Cons

  • A user reportedly lost braking on a descent and crashed, breaking a leg.
  • It was speculated the oil reservoir in the shifter might be too small, a potential design flaw (though Magene disputes this).
  • The investigation found the specific incident group set had less brake fluid than specified, indicating a potential setup/bleeding difficulty.
  • The bleed port threading may not be standard Shimano, requiring specific adapters.
  • The bleed port inside the shifter may be recessed, requiring a funnel with an extension nozzle.
  • The reviewer cannot independently verify the safety claims as Magene would not provide a sample for testing.
  • The groupset is not readily available for purchase in the UK or on AliExpress.

Key Points

  • Reported incident involved loss of braking with worn pads.
  • Magene's investigation concluded cause was pad wear and improper bleeding, not product defect.
  • Magene tested with the crash pads and with pads worn to the backing plate; braking was normal.
  • Standard bleed kits may work but might need specific adapters for threading and a funnel with an extension due to a recessed port.
  • Both brakes reportedly failed in the incident, which the reviewer finds odd as systems are separate.
  • Magene will not send a sample for review until the groupset is officially available outside China.