Complete 12 speed groupset for TT

[Triexpress]

First time poster here. I have tried searching for what I’m after but only have come across small pieces of info and some could be outdated.

Im looking to buy an ICAN TT frame direct from ICAN possibly with some of their wheels. From reviews I have seen and read ICAN look to be better than some others.

To go with the frame I will need a complete groupset with exception to the crank which I have from another bike.
The groupset will need all shifters for a TT bike and brake levers and callipers.

My question is what is recommended for this set up? Some reviews I have read is that its probably best to stick with Shimano 105 or Ultegra if I can afford it for a TT set up.
Looking at the chinese versions, LTwoo and Sensah its hard to work out what parts I need to piece it all together for a TT bike.

Would like to hear peoples recommendations or experiences for the groupset and the thoughts on the ICAN TT frames and wheels?

[raisinberry777]

SRAM electronic is the easiest solution - wireless, and if going 1x then all you need is blips and rear derailleur.

[Triexpress]

Thanks,
So the SRAM is completely wireless? Im guessing you are saying I would have the blips only and standard TT hydraulic brake levers?

Sounds as if the Chinese groupsets are best avoided? The more I think about it and the complexity of groupsets its probably better to go with something that is reliable and proven as well as being able to get additions or replacements locally.

[raisinberry777]

Thanks,
So the SRAM is completely wireless? Im guessing you are saying I would have the blips only and standard TT hydraulic brake levers?.

Correct. Use any brake levers you want, you don't necessarily need the SRAM ones - mechanical can save some money given that braking power generally isn't a high priority on a TT bike.

The L-Twoo TT stuff is not widely available yet (that I've seen), and based on their other products so far I wouldn't say it's reliable enough that I'd use it if I was travelling for races (and also consider you won't be able to get spares in a hurry - say you get to your destination and find something isn't working, or you forgot your charger).

Shimano TT electronic is still wired - not worth bothering with given the SRAM parts are cheap and easy to find.

Shimano mechanical not a bad option if you're doing it on the cheap - you just need the bar end levers. Still, you have to go through the pain of the cable routing.

If you're okay with 1x then I'd say SRAM electronic is the best budget TT option.

[wandulus]

100% on SRAM for TT.
Ideally, 1X, but exact gearing depends on your W/CdA ratio and usual races terrain.

[Triexpress]

I’m not familiar with SRAM and was leaning towards shimano as I already have a shimano crank but I’m assuming it’s still compatible.

Most of my races are flat and the 1x would do but I’m doing Marbella in November and heard it’s hilly so would need 2 chainrings.

I will look into the SRAM route. Any recommended shops or websites for SRAM?

[ejump0]

I’m not familiar with SRAM and was leaning towards shimano as I already have a shimano crank but I’m assuming it’s still compatible.

Most of my races are flat and the 1x would do but I’m doing Marbella in November and heard it’s hilly so would need 2 chainrings.

I will look into the SRAM route. Any recommended shops or websites for SRAM?

Shimano crank no problem.
There are few of us here run franken sram (sram RD + blips, with Shimano HG cassette, shimano/sram spec chainrings, and shimano/sram spec chains.

My setup:
SRAM Rival AXS 12 sp
SRAM blips 2 pairs
Shimano 11-36 cassette
PassQuest bcd110 54T chainring
KMC X12  (YBN SLA12 just arrived, will swap)

For SRAM, you need to try luck from international sites for deal, or amazon. youre not gonna find SRAM stuff on aliEx

[Barry McCockiner]

I’m not familiar with SRAM and was leaning towards shimano as I already have a shimano crank but I’m assuming it’s still compatible.

Most of my races are flat and the 1x would do but I’m doing Marbella in November and heard it’s hilly so would need 2 chainrings.

I will look into the SRAM route. Any recommended shops or websites for SRAM?

If you are going SRAM with the Shimano crankset, be wary that if your double chainring is > ratio than 54 big ring you will need the E1 SRAM Red Front Mech as it has an extra mount hole so it can be mounted higher to accommodate larger chainrings. (not sure if these Stone / PassQuest mech adjust wedges would work)

[Triexpress]

Thanks for the info.

I have a 53T on the front but maybe thinking of going bigger. I have seen the PassQuest chainrings but never pulled the trigger. I take it you are happy with them?
I have heard the Shimano rear cassettes work but not as smooth with SRAM. Who knows how much of a difference or weight behind this claim.
I take it you are running 1x with no FD?
I used to run SRAM crank and chain ring with the original Dura -Ace 10sp Di2 and Shimano cassette with no issues, but this is the new technology.

SRAM seems expensive compared to Shimano according to the online and local stores here in Aus. I haven't tried Amazon yet

[Serge_K]

Thanks for the info.

I have a 53T on the front but maybe thinking of going bigger.

It's flat where i live. Assuming you're not a tiny person, and unless you enjoy 90+ cadences, go bigger. I have 53 on my road bike and i'm in the middle of the cassette in Z2. When i get a bit of tail wind, i'm at 35kmh in Z2, at which point i only have a few sprockets left. Translate that to a TT bike, and you'll be at the end of the cassette all the time, which is bad. You want to do the vast majority of your riding in the middle of the cassette (it's mechanically more efficient, and by definition, more flexible because you want to have cogs available up and down from where you do most of your riding.
I'm happy in the low 80s, cadence wise. I also find that in an aero position, a low cadence is more comfortable. And it's been wind tunnel tested that low cadences are faster.

Have fun.

[Triexpress]

Thanks for the info and advice.

I’m working through components used for my setup and so far shimano ultegra is looking the cheaper better option than SRAM Force AXS unless I can find a cheap supplier.

This is probably off topic but I’m about to commit to the ICAN bike frame but wondering if there are any hidden fees or taxes. I’m in Australian and I believe there is GST of 10% added to imports over AUD1000.
Has anyone had any experience importing goods from China and having to pay this or ways of avoiding it?

[PineappleExpress234]

GST added to imports over $1,000 was abolished well over a decade ago. GST applies at all purchases regardless of amount

[Triexpress]

Oh OK. Looks like I need to ask ICAN if they are registered for GST and include this or I may need to pay this on entry. Thanks.