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    All about the Chinese L-TWOO eRX shifting group

    Sophia Willmes
    Sophia Willmes
    Mar 4, 2024 5 min
    All about the Chinese L-TWOO eRX shifting group

    What is this new Chinese shifting group?

    A new kid is on the groupset block: The Chinese manufacturer L-TWOO surprised the bicycle world last March by presenting its new electronic shifting group. So far, so familiar, because the eRX group does not differ greatly from the Shimano Di2 system - except in one point: the massive 1000 euros difference in the purchase price.

    But what exactly is it about this new Chinese shifting group, how does it work, is it worth changing, and who are L-TWOO anyway? Because our interest was also aroused by the many news and discussions about the eRX, here is everything worth knowing in one place, in this blog post:

    1. Who is L-TWOO?

    The Chinese Tech-Enterprise was founded in 2013 and has been manufacturing shift groups and bicycle drive systems. A large part of the world's bicycle production occurs in Chinese factories; only drive components are Shimano and SRAM, which are still the big players in the global market. L-TWOO wants to change that, and it already monopolizes the Chinese market for bicycle drive systems... Will the eRX system now enable a further leap?

    2. What is the eRX system?

    L-TWOO offers with its new product an electric 2 x 12 derailleur with the semi-radio circuit, whose front and rear derailleur are powered by a central battery. The group is designed for a 50/34 compact crank and an 11-32t cassette. So far, everything is exactly like the Shimano Di2 set. Even the control surface of the shifters from carbon with its two buttons for upshifting and downshifting is very similar to the Shimano set-up. The eRX weighs just under 1,300 grams, including the shifters, front and rear derailleurs, battery, cables and hydraulic disc brakes.

    3. How does it work?

    It goes techy further: As a rear derailleur with semi-radio shifting, both front derailleurs are supplied with power via a cable from a central battery, which is housed in the seat post. The rear derailleur, the head of the derailleur mission, communicates with the shift levers and the front derailleur via Bluetooth radio and—according to L-TWOO—in just 22 milliseconds.

    The Bluetooth function can also be used to connect the derailleur with the L-TWOO app, with which you can configure the derailleur specifically, adjust the control buttons, and even change the angle of the chain line. - Alice Huot @ buycycle.

    4. Is it worth it for me to switch to eRX?

    The shifting group's almost unbeatable price, about 595 euros at the latest, will now make some of you wonder whether the eRX is not worth a purchase. Well, the tech behind the rear derailleur is not really new, most of which we know from the bicycle fan favorite Di2, but if it is now also similarly reliable and functional, then the eRX can become the new shift group hit.

    However, a few questions remain unanswered, which is why a purchase at this point might be a bit hasty, as long as it is not yet possible. Currently, the eRX does not appear on the manufacturer's website or in the AliExpress store, and international retailers who offer the eRX directly in Europe will probably have to wait a while.

    In addition, it is not yet clear whether the hydraulic disc brakes are included in the announced price of 595 euros; the cassette and crank are not. And by the fact that so far none of the significant industry media could hold the components in hand and test, is also not yet much known about how much L-TWOOS latest product is good in use.

    But if L-TWOOS eRX keeps its promises, a high-quality, advanced shifting group will sit at the table with SRAM and Shimano at a much lower price. The purchase is worthwhile for Tüftler:innen and Enthusiast:innen who want to tune their bikes and their driving style without reaching too deep into the wallet.

    Despite all this, however, the market for individual shift components is relatively small, so most cyclists remain with the original parts of their bikes. Whether L-TWOO will be installed on your favorite mountain bikes or road bikes remains open. For those who prefer to rely on Shimano, SRAM & Co. for the time being and do not want to screw around themselves, buycyle is there. Look at our website for over 10,000 high-quality second-hand mountain, road and gravel bikes. For questions about shifting groups and the topic of bicycles in general, our support and, until then, we wish you, as always: happy browsing and cycling!

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