Cam Nicholls Installs Wheeltop Groupset
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When respected YouTube creator Cam Nicholls installs a new groupset, the cycling world pays attention — and so do we.
Cam’s known across Australia (and far beyond) as one of the most authentic, thoughtful voices in cycling YouTube. With thousands of kilometers under his belt and a deep connection to the riding community, Cam doesn’t just review gear — he lives with it, tests it properly, and brings in real-world experts for a second opinion.
That’s exactly what he did in his video installing the Wheeltop EDS TX electronic groupset, calling in Aaron from BS16 Bicycle Solutions — a veteran mechanic with over 20 years in the game and a reputation for no-BS, precision-focused bike builds.
The result? A deep look at Wheeltop’s tech from both a rider and builder perspective — and one more reason we feel confident using it on our builds at Catalog Cycles.
A Mechanic Who Knows His Stuff
Aaron’s commentary throughout the install shows exactly why he’s trusted in the Australian bike scene. He’s worked with Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, and more — and while Wheeltop was new to him, he approached it with the same high standards.
His verdict?
“Once it’s set up and working, it shifts beautifully. It feels robust. It feels crisp. And the brakes — they’re phenomenal.”
That last part’s worth repeating. Despite initial skepticism, Aaron praised the braking feel, calling it one of the standout elements of the system. And while he noted that the calipers look a bit agricultural, their real-world performance more than made up for it.
At Catalog Cycles, we agree — and we take it further by spec’ing Shimano IceTech pads as standard on all Wheeltop-equipped builds. It’s just one of the ways we refine the experience before the bike ever reaches you.
The Tech: Familiar, but Unique
Both Cam and Aaron noted that the Wheeltop system seems like a hybrid of the big three — SRAM-like aesthetics, Shimano-like ergonomics, and a lot of its own quirks under the hood.
Notably:
• Wireless shifting across front and rear derailleur
• Customizable gear logic and shift distances via the app
• Adjustability from 3-speed up to 14-speed
• Carbon lever blade option for those who want a lighter feel at the bars
• Weight is on par with Shimano Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Rival AXS — no penalty for going off the beaten path
What They Didn’t Love — and Why It Doesn’t Stop Us
Aaron was refreshingly honest about a few rough edges, and we appreciate that. We want to address them here too — not to gloss over them, but to show you why they’re not deal-breakers:
1. Front derailleur support screw access is awkward
The adjustment screw for supporting the front derailleur under load is in an odd place, requiring removal and reinstalling during setup.
✅ Our Take: This is a one-time setup issue — and since we’re building the bikes for you, you won’t have to worry about it.
2. The app feels a bit clunky
Aaron noted that the Wheeltop app interface isn’t as polished as Shimano or SRAM. It works, but the navigation isn’t intuitive, especially the gear range and micro-adjustment menus.
✅ Our Take: This only matters during the initial configuration, and that’s all handled in-house by our team. You’ll get a fully tuned and trimmed system — no app required unless you want to tinker later.
3. Brake lever hoods are thick and stiff
The rubber hoods are tougher to pull back during bleeding, making internal access slightly harder.
✅ Our Take: It’s a small compromise we’re happy to make. That thicker hood provides better grip and longevity — especially in sweat-heavy or hot conditions — and we handle all brake setup for you.
And Once It’s Dialed?
“It’s working perfectly now.”
“The brakes feel really, really nice.”
“You’ve got a ton of adjustability — I love that.”
Aaron’s verdict sums it up: once the system is dialed, it’s a top-tier experience. That’s where we step in — we take care of the dialling so you can focus on the riding.
Why We’re Using It
At Catalog Cycles, we’re not here to chase names. We’re here to build bikes that ride better — and the Wheeltop EDS TX system gives us tools to do that: wireless flexibility, programmable shifting, solid braking, and compatibility with both disc and rim brake frames.
We build every groupset from scratch, test and configure every setting, and refine every touchpoint so you don’t have to. Cam Nicholls and Aaron put it through a real mechanic’s lens — and it passed.
That’s why Wheeltop now earns a place on our builds.
Want to see which of our bikes are running Wheeltop EDS TX? Explore our current builds here.
Still deciding? Drop us a line — we’re always happy to help you make the right call.
