Tom Bowers Cycling - £60 GROUPSET? Is This Actually Rideable

Description

In this video I test the LTWOO R7 groupset from AliExpress to see if a £60 drivetrain is actually usable on the road. I weigh it, install it and get it out on the road so I can give you my thoughts on if its performance is up to scratch.

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Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:00 Overview
4:00 Weight
5:00 Install
5:26 Price
6:22 Cons
9:06 What's good about it
13:04 Is it staying on my bike?

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Bike part mentions in this video

LTWOO R7 2x10 speed, 20s Road 8Kit, ZRACE Brake + Cassette + Chains + Shifter + Rear Derailleurs + Front Derailleurs, 4700,R3000

LTWOO R7 2x10 speed, 20s Road 8Kit, ZRACE Brake + Cassette + Chains + Shifter + Rear Derailleurs + Front Derailleurs, 4700,R3000

Created: December 14, 2025

The reviewer purchased and tested the LTWOO R7 2x10 speed rim brake mechanical groupset from AliExpress for £62. They installed it on a Cannondale road bike and used it for several months through winter, including commutes and rides in the Peak District. They describe it as a complete groupset including shifters, derailleurs, brakes, cassette, and chain, requiring only a separate crankset. The reviewer is impressed by the extremely low price and functional shifting performance but notes significant drawbacks in weight, chain retention, build quality, and setup difficulty.

AI-Summary

Pros

  • Extremely low price (approx. £62-£73)
  • Complete groupset includes shifters, mechs, brakes, cassette, and chain
  • Shift quality is spot on and reliable once dialed in
  • No missed shifts during testing
  • Campagnolo-inspired ergonomics with a long thumb lever are comfortable and accessible
  • Hood profiling is comfortable and provides a positive grip
  • Compatible with a separate gravel rear derailleur (GR7) for added versatility
  • Heavy-duty steel cassette is durable and unlikely to wear out quickly
  • All components held up well over approximately 500km of use
  • Good value for a winter, training, or commuter bike where weight and premium feel are not priorities

Cons

  • Weak rear derailleur spring leading to poor chain retention and chain slap
  • Not suitable for off-road use due to chain retention issues
  • Very heavy overall
  • Overall fit and finish is not premium, with rough edges and cheap-feeling materials
  • Shifters and mechs have a rough finish compared to premium groupsets
  • Does not include a crankset
  • More difficult to index and dial in than Shimano 105 or Di2
  • Shifting has a positive 'clunk' rather than a smooth, gliding feel
  • Brake calipers are very basic (Z race BR001)
  • Cassette is a heavy solid block of steel

Key Points

  • Brand: LTWOO (referred to as 'L2' in transcript)
  • Model: R7
  • Type: 2x10 speed rim brake mechanical road groupset
  • Included components: Shifters, front derailleur, rear derailleur, ZRACE BR001 brake calipers, ZRACE 10-speed chain, 11-32T cassette
  • Missing component: Crankset
  • Weight: Not lightweight; specific weights given: Rear derailleur (273.6g), Front derailleur (98.8g), Right shifter with cable (264.7g), Left shifter with cable and clamp (263.3g), Brakes (~200g each), Cassette (367.3g), Chain (302.5g)
  • Shifter design: Features a long thumb lever inspired by Campagnolo
  • Compatibility: Shifters are compatible with the LTWOO GR7 gravel rear derailleur
  • Purchase source: AliExpress
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Last checked:
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