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Shimano moved to 12 speed and left mechanical rim brake riders behind. No upgrade path. No new groupset. Nothing. So, I built the groupset they refused to make.
Using Sensah Team Pro 12 speed shifters from AliExpress, a standard Shimano R7000 rear derailleur, and a 12 speed cassette, Iโve put together a fully functional 12 speed rim brake 105 drivetrain for around ยฃ100.
In this video, I install it, test it on the road, and give you my honest verdict on whether itโs worth it.
Check out the Shifters
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c45CogrH
AliExpress Coupons - Save on your next build:
$3 off $29+: IFPJTJ4D
$6 off $59+: IFPXQZ5J
$9 off $89+: IFPM2KTS
$16 off $149+: IFPZGLRV
$23 off $199+: IFPP08AW
$30 off $269+: IFPXOQZD
$40 off $369+: IFPRDELY
$50 off $469+: IFPZKXV1
$60 off $599+: IFPU9XZT
$70 off $699+: IFP5R4JF
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ezhhu5a
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โฑ๏ธ Chapters:
0:00 - 12 Speed Rim Brake 105? Let me explain
1:42 - What do they weigh
2:52 - Installation and setup
4:36 - Road test
4:54 - Honest review pros and cons
8:30 - Is it worth the money?
10:03 - Is 12-speed overrated?
11:16 - Final verdict
#cycling #shimano #105 #rimbrakecycling #aliexpress #aliexpresshaul #groupset #roadcycling
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Bike part mentions in this video
GroupsetSENSAH 2X12S Team Pro Carbon Shifter
Created: March 12, 2026The reviewer tests the SENSAH Team Pro shifters to convert an 11-speed Shimano 105 rim brake groupset to 12-speed. They state the shifters are designed to work with the pull ratio of 11-speed Shimano rear derailleurs and a 12-speed cassette. They find the shifting performance to be excellent, with crisp, tactile, and perfectly indexed shifts. The shifters are lighter than Shimano 105, have a carbon blade, and feature premium, grippy hood rubbers comparable to Shimano. The braking feel is on par with Shimano. However, the reviewer criticizes the SRAM DoubleTap-style shifting mechanism, finding it less intuitive than Shimano's system and noting it can sometimes cause accidental brake actuation during shifts. They conclude the product is an excellent solution for building a budget 12-speed rim brake bike or upgrading older bikes, but see little point in upgrading from a fully functional 11-speed groupset just for 12-speed.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Shifting performance is super crisp, tactile, and bang-on indexed.
- Does not miss a shift; no issues with gears clicking or jittering.
- Lighter than Shimano 105 shifters (433.4g vs 486.5g).
- Uses a carbon blade (keeps hands warmer in cold weather).
- Fit, finish, and feel are really quite good and more premium than Shimano.
- Hood rubbers are really good, very supple and grippy, on par with Shimano.
- Braking feel is perfectly on par with Shimano rim brake levers.
- Ergonomics are very similar to Shimano, with a slightly thinner profile some may prefer.
- Enables 12-speed mechanical shifting on rim brake bikes, solving a real-world problem.
- Excellent value when combined with discounted Shimano mechs for a budget build.
- Compatible with stock 11-speed Shimano derailleurs and 12-speed cassettes/chains.
Cons
- Uses SRAM DoubleTap-style shifting, which the reviewer finds less intuitive than Shimano's system.
- The shifting mechanism can sometimes cause accidental slight brake actuation, especially when shifting the front derailleur.
- The reviewer, being used to Shimano, still messes up shifts with this system during high-intensity efforts.
- Not seen as a worthwhile upgrade from a fully working 11-speed groupset just to gain 12-speed on road bikes.
- The value proposition is weaker for those simply upgrading from 11-speed, as the cost (for shifters, cassette, chain) is high for minimal perceived benefit.
Key Points
- Brand is SENSAH (also referred to as 'Sensar' and 'Sensari' in the transcript).
- Model is 'Team Pro' shifters.
- They are mechanical rim brake shifters.
- They enable 12-speed shifting using 11-speed Shimano rear derailleur pull ratios.
- They use a SRAM DoubleTap-style shifting mechanism (one lever, click vs double-click).
- They have a carbon lever blade.
- They are compatible with Shimano 12-speed cassettes and chains.
- They work with existing Shimano 11-speed derailleurs (front and rear).
- They are significantly lighter than Shimano R7000 105 shifters.
- Can be purchased for around ยฃ50 with discount codes on AliExpress.