I’m pleased to now be able to share with you the response from Wheeltop on the questions put to them. Questions to Wheeltop about the EDS TX groupset: * *Do the road shifters pair with the previous Wheeltop MTB derailleur?* * Unfortunately, the road and mountain groupsets are not compatible for cross-pairing.
 * *Can the system be used without the front derailleur, in a one-by style for either gravel or MTB use?* * You can certainly operate the system without the front derailleur. However, it's not recommended for gravel bikes or MTB. Rest assured, a gravel bike version is in development for future availability.
 * *Android App/Font Derailleur - Some users have reported that the front derailleur cannot be fine tuned via the Android app, is this correct, and if so, is this being looked at?* * Fine-tuning the front derailleur is recommended using the micro-adjust screws. Adjusting the limit screws should typically suffice. The app's front derailleur fine-tuning feature requires administrator access, limiting direct adjustments by regular users.
 * *Availability in countries outside of Europe. What is causing the delay, and do you have any timescales?* * Awaiting an answer.
 * *Battery levels during inactivity - When the groupset is in ‘Racing Mode’, the battery is draining, even when the groupset is not in use.. What is causing the battery to drain?* * *In 'Racing Mode,' the system stays active to ensure responsiveness, similar to a phone not going into standby mode. However, in 'Casual Mode,' the system will go into sleep mode when not in use to save battery.
 * *Automatic Shifting (Stop cross chaining) - This behaviour is similar to the Shimano Semi-synchronous shifting. Is there a patent concern with that?* * Awaiting an answer
 * *Automatic Trim - This behaviour is similar to the Shimano Auto Trim. Is there a patent concern with that?* * Awaiting an answer
 * *Does Wheeltop plan to work with any wholesalers local to Europe or US?* * Wheeltop is collaborating with dealers in France and Spain and expanding to other areas. If you're interested in becoming a dealer, feel free to contact service@wheeltop.com.
 * *Any news on communication with Garmin and Wahoo?* * We are excited to announce that a firmware update, scheduled for release in May, will support connectivity with linkable devices.
 * *Replacement components - Is it possible for a user to buy replacement components? For example, if they crash and break a lever.* * Standalone replacement components are not currently offered. However, we provide a 2-year quality warranty and will forward your feedback on the availability of replacement parts to our product team for future consideration.
 * *Spares - Is there any date on when spares can be purchased - IE, lever hoods?* * Standalone replacement components are not currently offered. However, we provide a 2-year quality warranty and will forward your feedback on the availability of replacement parts to our product team for future consideration.
 * *Warrantee Claims - What is the process with this? Does the End User need to return to the retailer, or Wheeltop? If the latter, who will cover shipping costs?* * For purchases through dealers, the dealer handles post-sales responsibilities. For wheeltop.com orders, any product-related concerns can be directed to service@wheeltop.com. If product quality issues arise requiring a return, Wheeltop will cover the shipping costs. Reading the comments on my KZfaq videos, these are peoples biggest concerns, and my opinion is that these need addressing. 1. *You can’t replace the battery* 1. Suggestion to Wheeltop by RVC. Make a replacement battery, and put a ‘How-To’ video on your KZfaq channel.
*Reply From Wheeltop* - ”Rest assured that the battery has a lifespan of 2-3 years, so there is no need to worry about battery life issues. Additionally, we are planning to establish offline service centers in various locations. You will have the option to replace the battery at your own expense in the future.” 2. *Crash replacements* 1. People will break things. You need to be able to buy spares
*Reply From Wheeltop* - ”We understand that customers are interested in the availability of accessories. Although we cannot provide a definite timeline at the moment, please be assured that we are actively working on preparing the accessories. Once we have a confirmed timeline, we will promptly update you with the details.”

Seems like a great option for Rim Brake riders wanting to go fully wireless

Definitely an upgrade option. Sounds like there are too many compromises for me to consider it at the moment though. Thanks for taking the time to review for the rest of us. See you were back at Rudyard again!

You put together a couple of really interesting and thought provoking video's. Chapeau.

Every video you do is total class

Received mine yesterday in Australia. Ordered on Aliexpress and received within a week! Now to get it on my bike and try it out. Quality feels excellent and pairing was very quick and easy. Just a shame we heading into winter now :( Thanks for the videos!

Thanks for the detailed review. With regards to when you shift into the small chain ring thr cassette jumps 1 or 2 cogs up. This is to prevent cross chaining. Same things happens with all sram axs groupsets and it cannot be disabled. Synchro shifting is to provide a similar gear ratio in either of the 2 chainrings which is different to the cross chaining function

Excellent video..... Think I'll wait a while before purchasing this. But definitely keep us in the loop with regards to your experience with it. Good and bad as time goes on.

Love this review. Of course, I'm in USA so very hopeful to get this for my rim brake bikes. This is a game changer. Pity that Shimano didn't think about this before along with the reduction in pricing to make it available for the masses. I'm sold even with the minor issues that I'm sure someone will be able to hack a fix for the firmware. Give someone a challenge and you will find someone who believes in your vision.

Enjoyed seeing your countryside!!! Lucky you! Also the electric gremlins observations are spooky and curious...( thank you for the full disclosure) finally now that this cliffhanger has dropped/ I'll get some sleep😂😂😂😂😂( first ever Fred flintstone reference in a bike tech review !!!!!😂😂😂 you are the best !

fantastic news and review! Some gremlins seem like they can be fixed with firmware updates rather than being deal breakers. Price might be a little high without brakes, bottom bracket, and crankset. But a great option for my older rim brake bike that I can keep rolling for a long time. 10sp parts are very hard to find and this would be a seamless upgrade for any speed.

Great content mate 👍🏼

For the automatic adjustment at the rear of the 2 speeds, it is normal that it does not shift the small chainring automatically when you are in Large chainring on the last speed (top cassette) -Because if he does that, and you are a dancer, passing a small chainring will make you "spin in the void" and you may fall. -Conversely, when switching to Big chainring --> small chainring at the lowest gear (10/11T), going up +2/3 speed will not bother you because it is your choice to put the small chainring, so you are aware that you will "soften" your pedaling. I don't know if I'm clear in my explanation, I used Google translation, because I'm French lol

Great video mate 😊

we started supplying these systems to Russia. a huge number of problems due to the lack of moisture protection: boards oxidize, components rust. for now it is very raw and unusable.

Great video! I'm going to replace my r8020 hydraulic to this alrd ordered eds tx. 👍🏼

The behavior that you were talking about, that the rear derailleur automatically shifts a couple of gears whenever the front derailleur shifts between the chainrings is exactly the same behavior as Shimano's semi-synchro shift mode.

Great review and at least you specified a good reason why you think this groupset is relevant. ✌️

Wheeltop can communicate with a headunit, but it needs to be supported by the headunit, a few chinese ones work with it.

the synchronous shifting sounds like the Shimano Semi synchronous mode. Whe you change the FD Up or down you get a RD shift down or up a couple gears to spproximate the same cadence in the chainrings. Maybe???

Fun fact, it’s already in the women’s pro peloton ;)

It's probably just trying to keep the chain, when it's on the small chain ring grabbing the big ring or rubbing. Big to big doesn't rub the small chainring, little to little often rubs the big chain ring.

Re battery drain, I would suspect it is similar to the SRAM AXS wireless, where when the bike detects any movement, it wakes up the system to a ready state. This include walking past it and slightly knocking it. I have a few rides where I got low battery warnings from AXS, but had not done any big miles. I found it was easiest to remove the derailleur battery (I am on 1x) to avoid this drain

Important to mention that the rear hanger has to be a standard mount, rear derailleur will not work with a direct mount hanger. Based on experience. Hoping my bike manufacturer has a standard mount hanger for my frame.

If you have a 50/34, Program the system to a 52/36 or 53/39 and you will be able to use the Small - Small combo.. This works on older Shimano and SRAM. It is there to keep the chain from across chain and the chain catching the big ring. It works. .

I've got the cable version groupset on the way to me. Was getting sick of my Sora 9sp groupset playing up. Looking forward to it arriving next month, thanks for the video!

Nice video ! Regarding the olives, I find that the magura olives are identical !! Now about your caliper replacement, can you reuse olives like that ? I always assumed when you take them out a new olive is needed, as it needs to be crushed to make a good seal ?

I've ordered one of these groupsets as I'm currently working in Austria for the next few weeks. So looking forward to trying it out when I get back. Also, I did ask them if the rear derailleur cage could be replaced for OSPW. They said no, but I believe TRiPEAK does an offset OSPW that would fit.

Good install overview and first ride. So the build quality looks good and out of the box it shifts as well as your Ultegra. But the real test will be how it holds up over several seasons of use. You know with proper service your Ultegra will still be going strong in 5 years. How do they handle warranty claims, obviously it will have to be sent somewhere, which country is that? And if, for example, the derailleur isn't shifting properly, do you have to send the lever and derailleur? It's not going to be like SRAM/Shimano where you just take the bike to your local shop to have the fault diagnosed.

Great review, thanks. Really love the "average cyclist" bit.....me too!

Hi All, I have my call with Wheeltop scheduled for Wednesday, this week (10/04/24). I will be asking the following questions. If you have any more to add, please add by replying to this comment. Thanks: * Android App/Font Derailleur - Some users have reported that the front derailleur cannot be fine tuned via the Android app, is this correct, and if so, is this being looked at? * Availability in countries outside of Europe. What is causing the delay, and do you have any timescales? * Battery levels during inactivity - What is causing the battery to drain, and is it a concern? * Automatic Shifting - This behaviour is similar to the Shimano Semi-synchronous shifting. Is there a patent concern with that? * Automatic Trim - This behaviour is similar to the Shimano Auto Trim. Is there a patent concern with that? * Does Wheeltop plan to work with any wholesalers local to Europe or US? * Any news on communication with Garmin and Wahoo? * Replacement components - Is it possible for a user to buy replacement components? For example, if they crash and break a lever. * Spares - Is there any date on when spares can be purchased - IE, lever hoods? * Warrantee Claims - What is the process with this? Does the End User need to return to the retailer, or Wheeltop? If the latter, who will cover shipping costs?

I looked at the MTB version and to be honest was tempted but the financial saving over the sram one didn't justify taking the chance £30, as for patents that's an issue for the two companies, the Ltwoo version still works without the feature you spoke about

Really good review in its honesty. My ears pricked up being a a rim brake user but there are a few issues to iron out first, such as I can't buy it in the UK anyway! Not the most attractive looking derailleurs but I'll be keeping a close watch.

It would seem that Wheeltop is taking a different direction in terms of sales and distribution in the Asian market as I have seen KZfaq videos and adds posted by bike shops in various Asian countries showing Wheeltop. I think that it could be because the Asian market is already very accepting of Chinese brands unlike the UK/EU/USA markets.

Question: does the rear shifting continue to work correctly if the front mech is removed (can it be used 1x)? Battery discharge issue may resolve as the battery gets more use.

With regards to the battery. I'm guessing as it's a lithium battery their using they have built in a safety feature to prolong the life of the battery. Namely li-ions shouldn't be kept at full charge for too long. So the battery will discharge itself down to a storage voltage if not been used. So I'm guessing it will need topping up before a ride.

the disadvantage is Battery cannot to be remove....and after two year have to repurchase another new groupset...and thank you for review....

good video i am looking forwed to get them in the uk

About the battery thing, you are now using the racing mode which will run out the battery way faster than casual mode, so maybe you can try the casual mode some other time.

Do you think the rear derrailleur can handle a 11-42 cassette with compact crankset? I have this setup on my current road bike.

Very through test! What range of chain rings and cassettes can it handle? 53/39 and a 11 - 34 cassette should be possible.

Hi Ribble Valley Cyclist, thanks for your great videos. I'm new into cycling and learn a lot from your creative/informative content. Currently I own a Cannondale Topstone 2, with 10 Sp GRX 400 - mechanical. Both, the bike and groupset are okay but not fantastic. Question to you (& followers) - could I effectively turn/upgrade, my bike with this groupset into an 11 or 12 speed faster more effective machine - with more or less just the cost of the groupset plus relevant cassette & chain - or is there something else I need to consider (before spending my cash) ? I'm new to cycling but ride a lot, 5000km this year so far mostly tarmac in Winter, starting now my off rd excursions, as the trails get dry. Can't hv enough of it. Putting my Topstone through its paces & trying to learn all about about components and do it myself approach to cut costs. Thanks in advance to you, and or anyone who can advice. Cheers 🚴‍♂️👍

Thank you for your review. My main question is. What does it really add to the riding experience? I am not a biker who is constantly shifting gear during a ride. I think the set up time of this set is comparable with a mechanical set. A good shifting mechanical set does compare to this set. The draining of the battery when not biking is also a concern. As most bikers have more bikes which they use independently I think you need to first check the battery before jumping on your bike. Not a nice option when the sun shines and your mates are waiting downstairs. On rides during several days with layovers, charging could be necessary. Can you remove the batteries? All and all, the “bombproof” mechanical shifting still offers a lot of advantages for me.

Very interesting, indeed! For the UK, do you have to pay 14% customs duty and 20% VAT when you buy it from abroad?

I think I'll stay manual shifting... never had an issue. But had lots of issues with Chinese tat.

If you look at the developments in terms of prototyping, 3d printing and every other manufacturing process there is no reason modern electronic groupsets should cost what they do when it comes to cost of development and production. It comes down to what people are willing to pay and at this point I'm hoping there will be a backlash against manufacturers who are as far as I can see are abusing the market. There was a time when I wouldn't buy a product that violated a patent but at this point, I evaluate on a case by case basis. It's hard to worry about a patent holder when that patent doesn't apply to a particular way of doing something but just doing something obvious - trimming the front derailleur - which is something we've all done for years with mechanical groupsets - particularly the none indexed ones.

Is there any sort of clutch on the rear derailleur? It's clear there is no switch like with Shimano but does it have anything going on similar to SRAM? I'm wondering how this would behave on a gravel bike.

good video for me. i just wonder is it possible to use shimano break calipers system by replacing olive for wheeltop one? hose/nuts all compatiable with shimano system ? it will be nice if i can upgrade electiric shifting system without disassemble shimano break system...

Hi, can you share a screenshot of the calibration settings you used in the app?

When is that Q&A with Wheeltop happening?

Very interested in the groupset but it is Campag compatible? Seen alot of people retro fitting it to shimano groupsets but no campag.

How is the reach adjustment (screw). Can you increase the reach a lot?

hello, just a quick question : it is possible to use a 54 chainring?

If you can't use a Shimano Olive, could you use a MAGURO one? Or a SRAM one?

But those shifters are also comaptible with rim brakes? Or only hydraulic brakes?

Is it possible to configure it to work with a triple chainring setup?

How did u manage to work this fd with 105 cranks? It's stucking on 12 o'clock position (big ring + small cog) on my bike because of this little auto-triming feature. (ultegra cranks r8000 same problem). And there are no issues with grx-like cranks with larger distance from the crank to the biggest sprocket. If it were possible to adjust the trim position manually, this could be easily solved. But this option is blocked in the application. Could you ask them to unlock the trimming position in the next update?

I apologize in advance if this question is in the stupid category, but since it seems to me that the Wheeltop group set in some/many(?) ways is compatible with Shimano and Sram, would it be possible to keep the Shimano brake calipers you already had on your bike and made them work with the Wheeltop brake levers? If the hydraulic brake fluid is the same I would think it would “only” be a matter of fitting the hoses. Could that be done?

Would it work with the grx calipers

Come on! Open it😁 do it for us and check what battery is installed inside 😁

I agree with you on the integration with the Garmin computer. Not sure I’d be happy with a unit that doesn’t provide that information. To that question. Garmin doesn’t play well with others when it comes to integrating with non Garmin or non OEM established relationships. I wouldn’t buy one of these units until I know that it is integrated.

what if a battery fails? Do I have to buy a complete derailleur?

Does this have auxiliary buttons for head unit etc?

Great vid Jon … not much “Ribble valley in shot however 😅. Will say it again , it will get challenged patent wise again , its battery is tripe , its front derailer I have questions around , and honestly this looks like a groupset they have launched to challenge patents but it will get shut down pretty quick .

Here is a Spanish follower, I would like if you can clarify a question for me. I bought the one without brake pads, I'm going to use the ones from my Shimano 105, to connect the hose to the lever of this do I need an adapter or is it just a connect? Thank you, I have seen the video but since it is in English I have not understood much I used a translator to write to you, greetings from Spain

Will it work with a 52t cassette?? Thank you

ok....i bought a rim brake set from aliexpress 7 days ago.....for the price of (!!!!!) 570 euros.....quality is exccelent, durability also, weight is perfect (rd is lighter than sram).....as for today, after 68 km of riding (like 2.5 hours) 750 meters of climbing the app showed 100% battery on both derailiers.(!!!)....first settings are kind of tricky and require a lot of time since manual is not that helping...using small chainring will not allow to shift to 1-2 gears.....wheeltop calls this feature "rear derailier shift protection" which is an option on their latest firmware, an option that personaly did not manage to make it work.....in order to save some power on you batteries i suggest you turn off bluetooth and disconect the app from the groupset....after that all you have to do to "wake it up" is just shake the bike.........now, as for the batteries, if in the future will come to the end of their life (hopefully before mine), i will not hesitate to try and replace them, since the cover is supported with screws....finaly , if you have a phone holder mounted on your handlebars, you can use the app to get a lot of info while riding, like number of gear on your casette, front chainring, battery level , distance time etc......

Is there a gravel version?

Do they deliver to the UK?

Can you use the system with shimano calipers? Did you try/ride with your 105 calipers? Thanks in advance.

I randomly stumbled into your channel and really like the content. You can now call me a follower. However, the gum really triggers me 😂

Hate manual trimming. I will never update software just in case😂 really 🙂

What's the music please.

i guess i will stick to my sram red etap

wait for few months,This groupset will double the price.

I think the word "upgrade" is being misused in this case. This "tech" is just another thing that's going to go wrong and distract from what matters which is cycling (rather than consumerism).

The Chinese group sets are addressing the Rim brake bikes out there the literal millions of them that can be upgraded to these electronic group sets. Shimano and SRAM simply don’t care about that market.

Patenting auto trim is behaving like a thug. It probably wouldn't stand up in court, but who's going to challenge it.

An average cyclicst wouldn't bother this groupset neither. Getting excited that the rd is compatible with cassettes down to 7 speed is nonesense - imagine someone who has a bike with a 7-speed Tourney groupset. That bike for sure is an entry level one. What's the reason in swapping a Tourney for this expensive groupset and keeping the the old 7 speed cassette? All the more this TX groupset would probably be worth more than the bike itself.

This looked interesting... until I realised that in exchange for a positive review you got to keep the groupset. You should have pointed that out at the beginning. Digging a bit deeper, it turns out the company doesn't provide a phone number or a physical address on its website (a red flag). The rim brake groupset has been out of stock for months (see comments on their website), with no indication of when it will be available again. That doesn't bode well for future spare parts availability/ They even confirm that replacement hoods/jockey wheels/batteries are unavailable as of today. You can forget about getting a replacement brake lever after a crash a couple of years from now! The software doesn't work with Garmin headhunts. The product isn't available in the UK - what's the point of you providing a discount code? Here's hoping your channel doesn't do anymore shilling for obscure Chinese brands with no customer support system. Caveat emptor!

shit

so many shills everywhere

It’s Chinese. You’ve got American and you’ve got Japanese. I know the one I’d miss out.