Sensah Empire 2x11 Speed Road Drivetrain Groupset

SRAM-compatible 2x11 shifting at a price that makes performance drivetrains accessible.

Sensah was founded by engineers who previously worked at SRAM's manufacturing facility in the Guangzhou area: which explains both the SRAM-compatible shifting architecture and the double-tap style lever mechanism the Empire uses. The company emerged alongside LTWOO and S-Ride from the same pool of experienced Chinese drivetrain engineers, and has since grown into one of the most credible budget groupset options on the market. The Empire is their flagship road groupset, a 2x11 speed mechanical drivetrain that offers genuine shifting performance at a fraction of the cost of Shimano 105 or Sram Rival. It is not a counterfeit or a clone. It is a purpose-built drivetrain with its own patented shifting mechanism, its own lever design, and a growing real-world track record on road, gravel, and cyclocross builds worldwide.

Three-in-One Shifting Technology: One Lever, All Functions: Sensah's patented Three-in-One Technology makes gear changing easier and faster, eliminating any confusion about two-lever and three-lever shifting systems. The lever moves as a single unit for all shifting inputs: an intuitive, unambiguous action that is quick to learn and consistent to execute. A lever lock mechanism prevents accidental shifting during braking.

SRAM-Inspired Ergonomics, Shimano-Inspired Comfort The Empire shifters borrow the double-tap style from SRAM for their shifting action but as far as ergonomics go these feel more like Shimano's: which is good news for the comfort of your hands. The hood shape and lever reach are familiar to anyone who has ridden Shimano mechanical levers, and the anti-slip textured hood cover keeps your hands in place in wet conditions. A longer shifter lever improves reach from the hood position, useful for riders with larger hands or those who spend extended time on the hoods.

SRAM Compatible 11-Speed: The Empire 11-speed version is compatible with SRAM components meaning if you are building on an existing SRAM drivetrain or want to mix and match with SRAM cassettes, chains, and cranksets, the Empire shifters and derailleurs will work. For Shimano drivetrain compatibility, the Sensah Team version is the correct choice rather than the Empire.

All-Aluminium Construction: The updated Empire features aluminium lever arms instead of plastic, which addresses durability concerns from earlier models and improves the overall feel and rigidity of the shifter under load. Extra wide link design increases rigidity on the rear derailleur, and the all-aluminium body and links save weight while improving stiffness.

Front and Rear Derailleurs: The Empire rear derailleur uses a 1:1 actuation ratio, designed for fast and accurate shifts with a middle-cage design for up to 34T maximum cassette cog. The front derailleur handles 2x chainring setups for standard double configurations. Note that the front derailleur does not feature trim adjustment: a functional limitation worth knowing before you build, particularly if you are running a wide-range cassette where chain angle is more pronounced.

KMC X11 Chain Included: The KMC X11 is included as the correct chain for this drivetrain. The X11 is fully compatible with SRAM 11-speed drivetrains: the same ecosystem the Empire operates within and brings KMC's Double X-Bridge construction, nickel plated finish, and non-directional installation to the build. MissingLink included for tool-free chain removal. When it is time to replace the chain, the KMC X11 is the correct replacement for this groupset.

Real-World Performance Shifting is good and crisp according to independent user reports, with improvements in shifting performance noted on updated versions, particularly with front derailleur shifts. This is not a Shimano 105 replacement for a rider who demands absolute precision under race conditions. It is a capable, reliable 2x11 mechanical drivetrain for road, gravel, and cyclocross builds where performance matters and budget is a real consideration.

What's Included

Not included: Cassette, crankset, bottom bracket, brakes, cables, housing, bar tape.

Compatibility Notes

SRAM compatible 11-speed: The Empire 11-speed shifters are designed to work with SRAM-compatible derailleurs and cassettes. If you want to pair Sensah shifters with Shimano derailleurs, the Sensah Team version is the correct choice — not the Empire.

Cassette range: rear derailleur supports up to 34T maximum cog. Suitable for 11-28T, 11-32T, and 11-34T cassette configurations.

Front derailleur braze-on mount: Clamp adapters available separately for frames without a braze-on fitting. No trim adjustment on the front derailleur — factor this into your build if running a wide-range cassette.

Brakes not included: the Empire shifters are lever-only with no integrated brake caliper. Compatible with standard mechanical cable-pull disc or rim brake calipers.

Perfect For

Road and gravel builds where 2x gearing is preferred and budget is a genuine consideration. Commuter and adventure builds where the cost savings over Shimano 105 or GRX can be redirected into better wheels, tyres, or frame. Riders building a first drop bar bike who want a familiar 2x setup without the full Shimano price tag.

Shifters, derailleurs, and KMC X11 chain. Cassette, crankset, brakes, and bottom bracket sold separately.