$300 Hydraulic Groupset!!! Sensah Empire Pro HRD

The Chinese groupset manufacturer Sensah is about to release their first hydraulic groupset. It may be the best one I've ever tried!

SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):

Hydraulic groupsets from the big brands like Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo, have historically been very expensive, but last year a Chinese company L-TWOO shook up the cycle industry by releasing the first Hydraulic groupset for road bikes. Now Sensah, another Chinese groupset manufacturer has joined in with their Empire Pro HRD groupset.

It is a 12 speed mechanical groupset, but offers fully hydraulic disc braking, and is only set to cost around $300!

I have been riding a pre-release version for the last few weeks, and I have been INCREDIBLY impressed. The braking performance is absolutely fantastic, and the gear shifting is smooth, accurate, and precise.

However there are a few things to be aware of before jumping in to buy this groupset. Namely the shifters/brifters are quite large, and the lever throw to change gear is quite long. But regardless, this could be my favourite Chinese groupset to date!

So in this episode, I’ll give you a rundown of the groupset, demonstrate you what to look out for, compare it to the L-TWOO RX, and show you why it has impressed me so much!

Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
00:23 – Context - Why should I care?
01:43 – Sensah HRD overview
03:02 – Weight
03:28 – Install
06:15 – Sponsor segment
07:40 – Install continued
10:24 – Install and shifting problems
12:25 – Brakes and bleeding
15:50 – 150 miles later
20:20 – Comfort
21:25 – Sensah vs L-TWOO
22:46 – Wrap-up
25:21 – Bonus bike weigh-in

Intro roll:

Please note:
With the exception of Siroko and Sensah, all products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.

In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.

In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!

[Cade_Media]

Got the pre release in a box here and this video has made me very excited to test!

[chinabicycle]

yes, this company is getting better every year

[bsbbernal]

In the past, you've convinced me to get the old Empire. Now, you've sold me yet again. Big thanks on being the best source on these Chinese groupsets.

[BurgerTime]

I used Sensah myself for a 2500km, and I got what I paid for. Was happy to replace it with 105. I am glad they exist and hope they keep improving

[reverendremiel]

I'm seeing entry level kids' and adult sports store mountain bikes coming with LTWOO groupsets here in Norway these days, so I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before Sensah shows up as well. Exciting times for sure.

[daviddjerassi]

Loved the honest totally evaluated and compared this new group set by Sensah thank you Luke nothing left to chance as with all your videos your close now to 100, 000 subscribers great stuff Sir another month then bingo .

[eLpELoNdeJaPoN]

The issues with Sensah regarding shifting are endless but the best thing to do is forget about it because it gets better by the use.
I like the solution for the front derailleur using spacers but to be honest I changed my FD from Sensah to Shimano because of the trimming and now it is perfect.
I feel it's time to jump to hydraulics so I'm going to try a Chinese frame for the first time and this new Sensah group makes some sense of course if the price is right 😂
Thanks for the video Luke.🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[charliecook]

Nice video dude, look forward to the trifox build 🥖🥖🥖🥖 feel you need to so cross country mtb build 👌

[mahonah]

I can't wait! I currently have and use SRAM mechanical, Shimano hydraulic and mechanical, LTWOO mechanical and Sensah mechanical groupsets on my various bikes and I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on the Sensah Hydraulic groupset, mostly for my gravel bike if and when they release one.

[sutherlandrb]

Your statement nailed it. Competition is good for consumers. I am not sure I would put this on my best bikes but the headline item is that it is $300. I have a feeling that spares would be hard to come by (replacement hoods, new rear derailleur only in case you crash)

[williamforbes]

wow i'm surprised your new groupset treated you proper posh @15:45 i saw the extra cable length at the back and thought that looks excessive well i don't have the built repertoire that someone like yourself has built. looks great and thanks for makingg time for us!

[CharlieMetcalf]

I would love to see a video of you riding with the group sets a little more. Basically talking while riding and describing the group sets as you roll around the countryside.🥖🥖🥖

[PhiLoSoPheR_NonSenSe]

[Make sure that shifters match the gears they'll be shifting the chain on]
[The only criteria to consider when selecting derailleurs is their capacity and their mounting style. Rear derailleurs especially are dumb and will always obey the shifters running them unless the Derailleur is not mechanically sound.]
These two golden rules of putting bicycle drivetrains together is one I've established for myself after numerous in-depth studies and have grown to live by.
Thanks again for your efforts on these expository topics!

[hockysa]

really happy these china groupsets are showing promise and adding some needed competition to the market

[sigma]

Ive been using the Sensah Empire 12S mechanical for about 1.5yrs.
Absolutely nothing to complain about on my end - even with sub-optimal internal routing. Then again, i am part of the big hand club.
Great content, as always. 🥖🥐

[mjock]

Only thing I don’t understand is why don’t they make 11 speed versions? Easier to index and chains are cheaper.

Good review as always.
Cheers 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐

[johndprob]

I remember how excited you were for the first time you were sponsored by siroko, If i recall right they were your first? maybe second, nice that they are still working with you.

[ianbradshaw]

It seems to be available on the Sensah official store now. I asked them if the hydraulic shifters work with their 1x12 (G12) gravel derailleur. They said yes! Perhaps you could review a 1x12 Sensah/Sentyah setup on a gravel bike Luke? That could be a game changer for new home gravel builds, and a compelling upgrade. 🥖x🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[LamyCND]

This man just puts out banger content.

[NammoUT]

Great to see these lower cost options coming out and improving quickly. Keep cycling accessible for everyone! Have some 🧀with your 🥖