The LTWOO eRX V3 with ZRACE Unchained: A Dura-Ace Challenger at a Fraction of the Price

David Egerton
David Egerton
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Ride Review: One Month, 700km, and a Whole Lot of Shifting

When we talk about high-performance electronic drivetrains, the conversation is usually monopolized by SRAM and Shimano. But what if I told you there’s a new contender that delivers Dura-Ace-level precision at less than 30% of the cost?

Enter the LTWOO eRX V3 combined with the ZRACE Unchained crankset and Alpha EX 12-speed cassette—a setup I recently installed on my custom-painted Kozo 1 frame with Sol shocks and Big Feet (now Sol) Raven wheels. After 700km of urban riding, bridges, flats, and a few cheeky climbs, here’s my verdict.

Installation: Surprisingly Smooth, Impressively Customizable

This was a full groupset install. I replaced a Wheeltop EDS-TX and its crankset/rotors with the complete eRX + ZRACE setup, which came in at approximately R28,000. Not bad for what is effectively an electronic, race-ready drivetrain.

Challenges? Just one: mounting the crankset due to missing spacers. Once sorted, the entire process was easier and more intuitive than anything I’ve installed from Shimano or SRAM.


The real gem? LTWOO’s mobile app. It lets you fine-tune every cog’s position on the rear cassette, making the shifting buttery smooth. That kind of micro-adjustment just isn’t available on most Western platforms.

Tools Required:

  1. T47 bottom bracket adapter (due to the Kozo 1 frame)
  2. Hydraulic brake bleeding kit
  3. Standard tools for electronic drivetrain installation

That’s it. No SRAM quirks. No Shimano-specific headaches.
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Performance on the Road: Where It Really Matters

I’ve put about 700km on the setup so far—mostly urban and open road riding with moderate climbs. Here's how it holds up:


💨 Shifting Speed & Accuracy

In one word: Dura-Ace.
At max speed settings, the eRX delivers lightning-fast, bang-on accurate shifts every single time.


🚴 Crankset & Power Transfer

The ZRACE Unchained crankset surprised me. It’s stiff, efficient, and shows no power loss under load. The balance between the left and right crank arms is remarkably well-engineered.


🔁 Cassette Strength & Weight

The Alpha EX 12-speed cassette came in at a shockingly light 139g, yet it's handled every sprint and incline without flex or fuss. The only weak link? The chain that comes bundled. It works, but I’d recommend upgrading to a KMC 12-speed or even a Dura-Ace chain for better durability.

Real-World Observations

  • Zero mis-shifts or mechanical issues.

  • Shifter ergonomics are more SRAM-like—higher profile and more comfortable for bigger hands.

  • The workmanship and materials exceeded expectations at this price point.

  • Viewer feedback on the YouTube installation video has been overwhelmingly positive—especially about the aesthetics and build quality.

Would I Race It?

Absolutely.
This groupset is robust, refined, and ready for race day. I’d trust it in any competitive environment.

Would I tour with it?
That’s a more nuanced answer. For touring, I’d suggest mechanical over electronic and hydraulic due to power and serviceability limitations on long, unsupported rides.

Final Verdict: Unmatched Value

Let’s be clear: this setup isn’t “cheap”—it’s strategically priced performance.

For R28,000, you're getting:

  • Electronic shifting on par with Dura-Ace Di2

  • Tool-free micro-adjustments

  • Intuitive setup with zero gimmicks

  • Premium feel without the Western price tag

  • A lightweight Carbon Crankset

  • An Ultra-light steel cassette at only 139g

Compare that to a R75k+ price tag for an equivalent Western groupset, and you’ve got a no-brainer. Fortunately, there are options like the LTWOO eR9   or LTWOO eR7   to build up if price point is your main worry.

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