LTWOO ER9 & ERX - Electronic groepsets

[jonathanf2]

Got the Zrace calipers in and put them on. I think this is like a 3rd gen? Unlike Tracevelo who has two separate ports where the hose goes into and Fiveminutevelo where the there is one main port and one half port for the second piston... Mine only has one port so they've machined it differently and now the fluid gets distributed to both pistons after the ONE port from the hose. Pistons are still the same black alloy ones. I haven't had a chance to bed in the pads and ride them yet so we'll see but initial impressions is that they are feel better than the stock Ltwoo calipers with the lever feel. Overall looks to be pretty well made and really looking forward to giving this a go!

FYI - Looks like you're running 140mm disc in the rear? If you are, be careful with tightening the caliper bolts. The alloy screw holes is very soft on the ZRace XG calipers and can possibly strip.

[jonathanf2]

Could it be the shifter button getting stuck? Like I had an issue where the spring wasn't strong enough to push the buttons back out. It was like two Phillips screws, take the buttons out, stretch out the springs and put them back together and my problems were solved

Nope, shift buttons click just fine. It's definitely the RD that's not responding. I'm just going to wait for the 80 Design Store to respond and hopefully get a replacement.

[mrpercussive]

FYI - Looks like you're running 140mm disc in the rear? If you are, be careful with tightening the caliper bolts. The alloy screw holes is very soft on the ZRace XG calipers and can possibly strip.

Good to know... thanks for the headsup!

[jonathanf2]

Good news. I was able to wake up my ER9 RD after repeated hard resets pressing the RD button. I restored the RD back to factory default and re-indexed the gears. Though I'm a bit paranoid riding it again. I'm considering ordering new batteries, but I'm using the same batteries on my other ER9 bike with no issues. So I'm wondering if this RD is just a bit wonky? I think I'll still ask the 80 Design Store for a replacement. It's too risky to use the RD if it's prone to dying mid-ride, though there's no guarantee the new RD will be any better.

[jonathanf2]

I decided to order some new batteries from Nitecore. They do have US warranty service for their batteries and they appear to be well-built. They're a bit more spendy than what you'd find on Ebay, but hopefully this should at least eliminate any potential battery issues with the ER9.

https://nitecorestore.com/collections/batteries?sort_by=best-selling&filter.p.m.battery_info.battery_size=14500

[amacal1]

I decided to order some new batteries from Nitecore. They do have US warranty service for their batteries and they appear to be well-built. They're a bit more spendy than what you'd find on Ebay, but hopefully this should at least eliminate any potential battery issues with the ER9.

https://nitecorestore.com/collections/batteries?sort_by=best-selling&filter.p.m.battery_info.battery_size=14500

Just don't get any with the usb-c charging feature. (1) I can't see any benefit in this use case, (2) I could theoretically see some potential issues.

[rockerplates.de]

I decided to order some new batteries from Nitecore. They do have US warranty service for their batteries and they appear to be well-built. They're a bit more spendy than what you'd find on Ebay, but hopefully this should at least eliminate any potential battery issues with the ER9.

https://nitecorestore.com/collections/batteries?sort_by=best-selling&filter.p.m.battery_info.battery_size=14500

well it depends, if they are able to handle high discharge rates, go for it, but 3 Amps is not really high discharge.
I once again recommend batteries for vapours, they usually need high discharge capabilities......

[Serge_K]

well it depends, if they are able to handle high discharge rates, go for it, but 3 Amps is not really high discharge.
I once again recommend batteries for vapours, they usually need high discharge capabilities......

Come on now, have you modeled anything you say? have you calculated the amps that high discharge vape cells that are meant to work for mere minutes crank out vs the current draw of these derailleurs that are meant to work for thousands, thousands, thousands, and many thousands more actuations?

[jonathanf2]

Just don't get any with the usb-c charging feature. (1) I can't see any benefit in this use case, (2) I could theoretically see some potential issues.

I just bought their regular (non-USB) 14500 battery with 1000mah. Their 850mah batteries were sold out and I figure I might as well spend extra over the 650mah battery. Nitecore batteries have a 1 year US warranty if they crap out. I'll report back on their performance when I get them.

[rockerplates.de]

Come on now, have you modeled anything you say? have you calculated the amps that high discharge vape cells that are meant to work for mere minutes crank out vs the current draw of these derailleurs that are meant to work for thousands, thousands, thousands, and many thousands more actuations?

I have built up the distribution for Kokam Lithium polymer cells in Europe (and did a project with their cells for bmw in formula one), over a decade ago, have develope a 350mAh cell which is capable of discharge rates up to 20 c...so i am in the business since it started.
Ltwoo had massive problems with their aftermarket mtb shifting set, which pulls the shiftingcable.., they did not even understand why voltage drops und higher loads and comes back after the shift was done...

I just wanted to help and having a 1000mah battery only being able to work 3 Amps, which is 3 C will probably end up in chaos...especially if its getting colder...internal resistance, you know....

No, i have not measure current draw for this system, as i do not have anymore left, we are happy to have sold those crappy products and i am not willing to do the work for ltwoo...the crappy pcb, which does not securely protect the battery housing from shortening is another sign of their engineering skills.
Vapecells provide currents up to 10 or 15c without showing significant voltage drops...so they wont go bad fast because of cell chemistry being hurt with too high discharge rates..it was just a recommandation to be on the safe side....
There are many discharge curves available here:

https://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Vapcell%20INR18350%201100mAh%20(Purple)%20UK.html

Basically, feel free to buy or use whatever you want...i will hold back my posts in this thread

[jonathanf2]

I decided to order some new batteries from Nitecore. They do have US warranty service for their batteries and they appear to be well-built. They're a bit more spendy than what you'd find on Ebay, but hopefully this should at least eliminate any potential battery issues with the ER9.

https://nitecorestore.com/collections/batteries?sort_by=best-selling&filter.p.m.battery_info.battery_size=14500

I received the Nitecore batteries only to find out they're about 5mm too long. I should have double checked the specs, but here's me presuming 14500 batteries should all be the same. Might as well designate the battery something else if they're physically bigger.

[jonathanf2]

Woohoo! 80 Design Store replied back and they are sending me a replacement ER9 rear derailleur! It's definitely worth paying a little extra to get customer support from them on products. They've definitely earned my future business.

[Avalius]

Woohoo! 80 Design Store replied back and they are sending me a replacement ER9 rear derailleur! It's definitely worth paying a little extra to get customer support from them on products. They've definitely earned my future business.

Once again they deliver, put your hands up for 80 designer store our lovely supplier 

[Serge_K]

Woohoo! 80 Design Store replied back and they are sending me a replacement ER9 rear derailleur! It's definitely worth paying a little extra to get customer support from them on products. They've definitely earned my future business.

Great news indeed! that's how long after you bought it from them?

[jonathanf2]

Great news indeed! that's how long after you bought it from them?

This unit was purchased in June 2024 and is my 2nd ER9. This RD has been exhibiting a bit of strange behavior since I installed it. I suspect the motion sensor to wake it from sleep is slightly off and possibly has abnormal battery drain. Since I have my 1st ER9 bike as a comparison in performance, I've been able to notice differences.