L-Twoo: the Chinese electronic drivetrain that wants to rival SRAM and Shimano

The recent Taipei fair allowed us to discover new alternatives of groupsets produced by Chinese brands with finishes, ergonomics, and, in the case of electronics, supposedly also performance that very little has to envy to the products of the big brands. A good example is L-Twoo, who presented an interesting electronic groupset for gravel.

Chinese and Taiwanese brands step up to compete with SRAM and Shimano

For years, when talking about Chinese products originating in China, it is almost instinctive to associate them with brands that make generic components for other companies or simply with products that imitate more reputable ones but with a much lower price and quality according to that price.

However, for several years now, oriental manufacturers have been seeking to shake off that commercial stigma by directly marketing their products, among which we find some of a quality that very little has to envy to that of more established brands.

A good example of this trend was seen at the last edition of the Taipei fair with brands like L-Twoo, which presented an electronic groupset aimed at gravel practice with a very attractive appearance.

The groupset in question, called L-Twoo eGR, is wireless and is based on a single-chainring and 12 sprockets drivetrain. Its levers have an ergonomics that cannot hide a similar inspiration to those manufactured by Shimano, as well as its shifters behind the brake lever. The robust-looking derailleur has a deactivatable clutch system to keep the chain stable on rough terrain. It is designed to work with an 11-46 cassette, although here we will have to look for another brand since L-Twoo only manufactures the lever and brake set and the derailleur.

L-Twoo uses a concept similar to Shimano, applying wireless communication between the levers and the derailleur being powered by an internal battery that is placed on the frame and that looks like a clone of the Japanese giant's.

In addition to these new products, the brand has a wide range of mechanical levers and derailleurs for both curved and flat handlebars that can be a good alternative for those looking for an economical and high-performance set.

The emergence of these types of groupsets and the increasing awareness of their existence makes them a viable alternative for those with a tighter budget, unafraid to try this type of product or for those who are swayed by what others will say. The quality found in many Chinese products lately is truly surprising, even if it means that the price difference narrows, allowing for significant savings.