Update on my EDS that stopped working after 7 months: Wheeltop never responded to my support request I sent through the app, or my attempt to email them directly. I can no longer recommend this product as the company does not stand by their product. For less money, get a SRAM GX AXS with a 2 year warranty. https://amzn.to/3U4UzAR



Product links:
Wheeltop Electronic Derailleur System (EDS) ($400) - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFa...
SRAM GX1 Eagle AXS upgrade kit ($600) - https://amzn.to/45bS7wY

References:
Berm Peak review -    • Testing the "EDS" - A Chinese Enginee...  
China Cycling review -    • The TRUTH about the 'Fake SRAM' Wheel...  
Wheeltop official site - https://wheeltop.com/products/eds-bic...
Wheeltop FAQ - https://wheeltop.com/pages/faq
EDS app - http://qr61.cn/oMM4cm/qlCyqxL
EDS Facebook group -   / 237554719011888  


Today I'm giving my 100-mile review of the Wheeltop EDS wireless derailleur, which I purchased off of AliExpress for $400 shipped. This is a cheaper alternative to SRAM's GX AXS upgrade kit, which retails for $600, or 50% more. I don't own an AXS, but I've ridden a couple, and I can't tell any difference with shifting performance or speed.

I had never heard of Wheeltop before seeing Berm Peak's review of an older version of the EDS. According to the company's website, they've been manufacturing parts for big bike brands since 1951, but this is their first branded product. The EDS, or Electronic Derailleur System, comes with an app that is used to update firmware and tailor the system for 7-speed to 13-speed drivetrains.

The EDS has had a couple versions since being introduced in 2022. The original, called the EQ, came with two removable batteries and a charging dock, but has since been discontinued. The newer version, called the YQ, comes with a single sealed battery and a magnetic charging cable. I'm not sure if the redesign has to do with patents, durability, or just lessons learned, but I decided to get the YQ so that I have the newer design. So far the battery has expended about 1% per mile of riding on my home loop, which has lots of hills.

The EDS also comes in three different sizes - 58, 75, and 93 mm. Wheeltop's FAQ says "The long leg version (93 mm) supports up to 10-52t, the medium leg version (75 mm) supports up to 10-42t, and the super short leg version (58 mm) supports up to 10-28t. Since my cassette is 52t, I bought the 93 mm size.

Both versions are IP67 waterproof, so you don't need to worry about riding through a creek or being caught in a rainstorm. The shift buttons weigh 70 g, the old EQ derailleur weighs 360 g, and the new YQ derailleur weighs 385 g.

Once ordered via AliExpress, the derailleur took three weeks to arrive from China. As other reviewers have noted, it is packaged well, and the quality of construction looks to be quite robust. I'm no bike mechanic, but installation was straightforward and took me less than 20 minutes. It is certainly easier to install than a traditional cabled derailleur. I did spend another five minutes the next day fine-tuning my shift points using the app.

I was hoping that by eliminating the shift cable, the physical effort to shift between gears would be eliminated, and it has delivered on that front. Additionally, because the shift button is much shallower than a traditional shifter, I am able to place it at a more ergonomic angle. The pain in my arthritic right elbow has disappeared since I made the switch. Finally, the number of shift button presses has been reduced, because the EDS will shift through multiple gears if you keep the button depressed. I try not to abuse that feature, because it puts additional stress on the chain and cassette, but I'll shift through multiple gears at once at least a few times per ride.

One final benefit that some people have mentioned is a cleaner cockpit from eliminating the shifter cable. Although I did remove my shift cable, I decided to keep my cable housing just in case the next owner of this bike wants a traditional shifter. For now, I just shoved the housing a little deeper into my frame to minimize the excess slack.

In conclusion, I'm very happy with my purchase, mostly for ergonomic reasons. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe for more videos like this. Peace!


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