Is This the Best Wireless Derailleur for Your Money? Testing the Wheeltop EDS.

[@ptj6]

I really liked how you went through the pros and cons or the derailleur and really put it through its paces to see if it was actually going to hold up!

[@JoyOfBike]

@@ptj6 right on!!! Thanks for the feedback amigo. I’ve gotta say; I still can’t believe the quality. I’ve ridden some gnarly trails with it & it performs no different than from any big name manufacturer. 🔥

[@Oper8or]

I've watched this three times. I'm about to pull the trigger on one for my wife. Metal rod in her thumb makes it SUPER hard for her to shift, especially when its cold outside. You may have helped me make up my mind on it. It would make a great Christmas present for her. This is an excellent video on how to install and set it up. Thank you for making this vid.

[@JoyOfBike]

Ah, what a cool application I did even really consider - thanks for sharing! I'm almost 5 months into using it & am still REALLY enjoying it with no complaints. Can't wait to hear what you think of it, yo. -Mike

[@chillstep4life]

Bro did you ever get it? And does your wife like it?

[@Oper8or]

@@chillstep4life Pulled the trigger and got it installed. It works like a champ. Just be prepared to keep a close eye on the charging cable. You may even want to buy a spare just in case. I taped hers to the charger for her bike so we dont lose it. It shifts smooth and fast. Faster then she would ever need. IT was super easy to set up. No adjustments were needed but I made sure the end stops for high and low were manually set correctly with the screws.

[@falldownalot]

I just installed mine today and can't wait to hit the trails with it. Seeing this video sure puts the anxiety at ease until I get to try it myself. Thanks for the video

[@JoyOfBike]

Ah, right on!! Thanks for the feedback. Considering doing a check in video soon with mine! Are you diggin' it so far?

[@falldownalot]

@@JoyOfBike I've only used it out in the driveway and road but it shifts so quiet and smooth. Thanks again for the video

[@JAM76ER]

I like your videos Man. Thanks!

[@JoyOfBike]

Thank YOU!!

[@BishyBoodaBee]

Very informative. I'm interested in a long-term performance review. A bit of a bummer that the battery isn't removable.

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks, yo!! I'm happy to do a 6 month check-in on it, so far after almost 2 months of riding it...it's still rock'n & roll'n. I felt the same way about the battery at first but now after nearly two months of riding & the battery is still at 50%...I'm less bummed! Especially seeing how often my friends have to remove & charge their Sram stuff. The prototypes of this derailleur actually had a removable battery but my working theory is Sram probably owns the patent on that & slapped their hand.

[@MTB_FANATIC99]

​@@JoyOfBikedoes it come with a charger cord?? Or replacing batteries like AAA?

[@JoyOfBike]

@@MTB_FANATIC99 it comes with a cord!

[@DoubleAught]

Great review! Subscribed

[@JoyOfBike]

Thank you!!! More reviews coming soon! ⚡️🖤

[@jazzechos1372]

I will probably be giving this system try. As with your buddy i already have the AXS GX on on ride and another SRAM Wireless on the gravel ride. I was so going to put this on my just arrived new Ti hardtail frame but I have been wrestling with the idea of interchangeability from the new frame to the FS Ti frame....plus all the batteries can go to any of the three bikes. I like the fact that this comes complete with remote for just over $350 but again SRAM just dropped their AXS GX derailleur price to mach this price, but you still have to purchase the remote and battery separately. As for the lack of the lock on the derailleur....my gravel bike doesn't have a lock and I find it increasingly annoying given how strong the clutch is.

[@carlogalopo2605]

How about when the time comes that the battery is degraded? Does it have an option to swap out the battey?

[@Renato_Bmc]

Hello Mike, my name is Renato and I'm from Brazil, my Eds Ox kit will arrive today I really liked your review, completely impartial and honest. I haven't decided yet whether I'll put the transmission on my xc bike (gt Avalanche) or on my enduro bike (Gt Sanction), cruel doubt, kkkkkkk

[@JoyOfBike]

Renato!! Thanks for the feedback, that means a lot. Stoked you picked on e up - I think you'll love it, let me know which bike you decide to go with & what you think of it! -Mike

[@Renato_Bmc]

Instalei na enduro, vou extrear agora de tarde em um treino de Downhill/enduro, ancioso, kkkkkkkkkk

[@JoyOfBike]

@@Renato_Bmc RAD!!!! Have a blast. Much love!

[@jazzechos1372]

Good job.

[@symmetricon1982]

Oooh, im wanting to try this with my shimano 11spd cues setup.

[@JoyOfBike]

Dope!! Let us know how it goes. Hoping to add one to a build I'm currenlty working through.

[@Philatlondon1]

I wonder if this might sort my XTR issues. No matter what I do, including a new hanger and cables, checking alignment, I just cannot get it to shift properly through the range.

[@JoyOfBike]

Dang, that would drive me CRAZY!!!! This may be a good solution because you can adjust the derailluer to each individual cog in the app. -Mike

[@bikesnblades6737]

Interesting. Is there a possibility to have different profiles in the app for multiple drive train setups? Reason being, I'm thinking about using a wheel top derailleur with a 12 speed cassette for regular evening rides, but swap to another wheel with a 7 speed cassette for park days. Being able to save multiple cassette setups in the app would be a game changer for multi wheel setups.

[@JoyOfBike]

I don't believe it's an option, yet. But that would actually be a pretty kick ass addition! I know they keep an eye on comment sections so hopefully they're considering adding this function; I'm happy to relay too! -Mike

[@bikesnblades6737]

@@JoyOfBike maybe give them a hint 😉 As someone who's generally not interested in electronic shifting, the one thing that would add value for me is the option of multiple drive trains in one derailleur. And with the considerable weight and price of modern 12 speed cassettes, I think there's definitely value in being able to switch to a smaller cassette for weight savings or maybe even a less extreme 11 or 10 speed for after work rides in order to safe the expensive 12 speed for big days in the mountains.

[@hindesite]

Is the long cage compatible with (for example) 42t cassettes? Albeit with higher risk of catching something.

[@JoyOfBike]

It should be!! Their site outlines the various cage lengths & what they're good for but I can imagine with b tension set correctly it'll be all good. -Mike

[@mikeburgh3956]

Great review! Question tho, which Mazza's do you use? It's funny because right before I turned this Vid on I was looking at Mazza's!! Just wondering if you run the trail or enduro? Ty I ride exactly the same terrain you were on in this vid.

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks amigo!! I'm rockin' the Enduros & have had great luck with them...in fact the last set I had was the longest I've ever run a tire without a complete failure. haha. In fact, before I put this fresh set on recently, in march I got a puncture (& cracked my rim) in Moab riding a section of SHARP rocks way too fast & mistimed a jump, plugged the tire, rode it for another 4 months.

[@mikeburgh3956]

@@JoyOfBike Thanks!! I can see MOAB destroying a lot of rims & tires. 🤙🏻

[@JoyOfBike]

@@mikeburgh3956 that it does!! It's usually all good, until it isn't. haha

[@TheBoofliss]

Can the shifter be mounted to SRAM brake lever?

[@JoyOfBike]

I'm sure there's a way to do it! I just ran my with the attachment it came with however.

[@andrewodri5409]

I was actually waiting for this video... I've only ever been serious about BMX until the last couple of years riding trails with my wife. I'm starting a "serious" MTB build, and have been excited + leery about these derailleurs. Couple of questions: * I'm in Toronto, and actually do more of my riding in the winter. Any stats/reports on operating temp and or how it effects battery life? My lights actually shut down below -15C (wind seems to make it way worse), which is super annoying/scary when you're going full tilt after a ~5pm sundown 😑 * I forget to charge my lights let alone my derailluer... Are there any options that use a small DC motor/generator in the jockey wheel, and offset the weight (and improve the life) by using capacitors? And I guess the shifter needs batteries too... Is it a watch battery, or something more beefy? If you guys plan to go sub zero and get the tungsten spikes going, I would love to see a follow up!! Thanks for the great content as usual 🙏

[@JoyOfBike]

RAD!! Stoked we can hopefully help answer some questions with it amigo. - I haven't seen anything regarding colder weather but as we move into winter here I'm happy to update you; my assumption is that it should fare pretty well based on the fact that I still haven't had to charge it that the battery is pretty great quality & should stand up to colder temps. - I haven't seen any self-charging options, yet, but wouldn't be surprised if that's coming however I'm sure they'll carry a large price tag. The shifter does use a watch battery, which is what the name brands use as well. Again the battery life is pretty great & so far has over 20k vert & hundreds of miles on a single charge with 50% left, per the app. Pretty impressive. We definitely will be riding through the winter, so we'll check back in then! All love, -Mike

[@bikemad]

How strong is the derailleur? If it gets bent or damaged is it a right off?

[@JoyOfBike]

It seems just as sturdy as the Sram Gx I had on prior; I believe it there were enough damage the cage can be replaced!

[@hindesite]

Gotta love how you now need internet access and to sign in to an app to configure your bike.

[@Pens4Life85]

Guaranteed product redundancy and revenue streams.

[@hindesite]

@Pens4Life85 on the plus side, you can use with any speed cassette so it isn't all bad.

[@fifthcircle1]

How does a person in the US buy the wheeltop stuff?

[@jasonsisk61]

What’s most interesting to me is Wheeltop’s claim that this derailleur works on all drivetrain brands. Would be curious to see how this derailleur works on a Shimano 12 speed drivetrain. Clearly it works well on the SRAM stuff, because it’s fairly obvious that Wheeltop “borrowed” a lot of their inspiration from SRAMs t-type stuff.

[@JoyOfBike]

I thought the same thing, but I'm confident that it will work well on Shimano thanks to the ability to fine-tune each cog in the drivetrain! I've requested a second one for my hardtail which has a Shimano drivetrain on it, so if that happens I can do another video!

[@jasonsisk61]

@@JoyOfBike Very cool - will look forward to see that video. Always solid work, I really enjoy your content. 💪

[@JoyOfBike]

@@jasonsisk61 rad!! We’ll work toward making that happen. Thanks so much - means a lot! We’re having a blast making it all & getting to share it. Stoked you’re part of the family. ⚡️🖤

[@vaappu79]

Shimano and sram triggers and derailleurs were interchangeable @ 12s, so you can mix them. Same pull ratio. Sram just invented the slightly different pitch chain to prevent mixing.

[@Stefan-xm6fv]

I watched a couple of wheeltop reviews. Every youtuber got this for free, some of them got additional money for making review. All these review are positive, almost. There is one review which shows every con perfectly, e.g. the spring tension (with no clutch) is so poor as in derailleur from 90'. Why nobody is mention that ?

[@JoyOfBike]

I shared my experience as transparently as possible - yes, I got mine for free, but not paid for the review nor did I receive expectations on what I was required to say. I've had it on my bike for almost 6 months now of VERY hard riding on pretty serious terrain & really don't have complaints about the spring tension; it's very comparable to the Sram GX Derailleur I previously had on.

[@abuckcat]

Is it udh only

[@JoyOfBike]

Great question! Nope!! My bike actually isn't UDH, so it'll work with any setup.

[@abuckcat]

@@JoyOfBike nice thanks

[@bikebudha01]

been riding with cable acuated drivetrain for over 30 years now. Never seen the need to have wireless.

[@JoyOfBike]

Can't argue with that!! Hard to beat what works, right?

[@bikebudha01]

@@JoyOfBike lol.... thanks for the good review..

[@TheLion-b3h]

Non removable battery made my mind up about this…otherwise CHARGE EVERYDAY, now battery life is shortened, only one, then a whole new DERAILURE…not battery but AN ENTIRE DERAILURE..!?

[@hindesite]

Oh dear, as if Shimano and SRAM didn't have enough problems already. Such a shame...

[@hotlab2008]

🥴 ну такое себе…

[@GokkunGuru]

Nice to see another company produce a second option for those wanting wireless shifting. But it certainly doesn’t have the same design quality and aesthetics as SRAM AXS. Also not easy buying spare parts and having the customer support infrastructure as SRAM. One awesome feature is its future proof for up to 14 speeds and backwards compatible for drivetrains with less than 12 speeds as low as 3 speeds. No removable battery means it will lose charge faster and faster over time.

[@JoyOfBike]

Right?! It's definitly not as sleek but qualitywise I've been pretty impressed - I've had it on now for four months...of HARD, unrelenting riding & it's working as well as it did from day one. The battery was a huge concern of mine & obviously time will tell but after 4 months of riding I JUST plugged it in last night & it was still at 10%. So we'll see what it does over time!

[@felixmorar8203]

not for me. not yet

[@JoyOfBike]

What's holding you back?!

[@Dragonfly0987]

Wireless sux. Gimme a break. Pretend you're just a 19y/o bussing tables for a living. Not to mention the technical headaches of wireless. "Best Wireless" anything for the money is irrelevant. Complete non start

[@JoyOfBike]

I haven't experienced any technical headaches, to be honest. In fact setting this derailluer up from start to finish was about half the time of dialing in a traditional cabled setup, in my experience - pretty dang straightforward. I've had it on my bike now for over two months & still haven't had any issues with it. As I mentioned in the video; does it make you bike ride any better? Nope. But it is pretty dang cool.

[@scc9306]

These chinese companies are really pushing KZbinrs to sell their junk for them lately. It's all I ever see in cycling KZbin pages anymore. Gd aliexpress bs everywhere.

[@JoyOfBike]

Nobody pushed us to do anything, in fact, we’ll never allow that to happen it’s against everything we believe. But when there’s a product we’ve genuinely been curious about ourselves, & we assume others may be as well, when a brand reaches out with a no strings attached opportunity to check out their product that seems like a net benefit to all as our reviews will ALWAYS be genuine based on our experience during use. Yes, this is a Chinese company but EVERY major mountain bike brand manufacturers overseas - so why not entertain an underdog in the marketplace that may be offering a disrupting product? Our goal here is to provide others with content, product suggestions, tutorials, etc. that provide actual value - I hope you understand. All love! -Mike

[@bikespike711]

Your point about Chinese companies pushing their junk is neither factual nor helpful to viewers. The US imposed trade war on China does not have to play out on a MTB channel.

[@scc9306]

@@bikespike711like it or not. China is damaging cycling. They're stealing IP from other cycling companies. Flooding the market with replica items (Amazon, Temu, Aliexpress) to damage those companies. Now producing these low priced products (using slave labor) By sending out these products for KZbin channels and influencers to showcase, they're simply buying up more of the market. If you want more information about how this all might play out, look at what happened to Schwinn. Read their history. Then question how much longer shimano, sram, etc... will be around.