I recently installed the Wheeltop GeX wireless groupset, purchased directly from their website for $599, with no sales tax or import tariffs. After spending some time with it, here are my thoughts.
The $599 Price Tag?
-- It sells for $599 for a reason, reflecting certain compromises:
- Poor Documentation: Setting up the hydraulic brake hoses was a challenge due to the complete lack of step-by-step instructions. Other parts of the manual were also vague or incorrect.
- No Brake Lever Travel Adjustment: This is a notable omission, as it limits customization for brake feel.
- Awkward Charging Port: The charging port on the derailleur is positioned directly where the jockey wheel retracts. To charge it, you have to manually force the jockey wheel arm away, which clearly indicates a lack of user-centric design consideration.
- no resale value. nobody knows this brand outside of this community
Other Takeaways
Despite the setup quirks, there are some positives:
- Decent Value for Wireless: At $599, it offers reasonable value for a wireless groupset, especially if you plan on keeping it long-term.
- Functional Performance: Crucially, the shifting and braking perform as intended, with no complaints on that front.
Overall, the Wheeltop GeX is a functional wireless groupset for its price, but be prepared for some frustrating installation and design oversights. Its real value lies in its low upfront cost, assuming you're not planning to sell it down the line. But I do welcome these Chinese companies like Wheeltop, it will forces Shimano and SRAM to keep innovating and keep coming up better stuffs, which benefits all of us bike enthusiasts.
