After years of watching, waiting and developing in the shadows, industry giant Shimano has pulled the best road bikes curtain back on it’s first dedicated gravel bike groupset family, GRX. Released in conjunction with some long-awaited updated to its enthusiast-level Tiagra groupset, GRX is designed for the masses, available in both 1x and 2x drivetrains, both 10, and 11-speed configurations and with either mechanical and Di2 shifting.
So without further ado, join us as we take you through ten things to know about the latest adventure riding groupset family to hit the market, Shimano GRX.
- Three Levels of Performance
Rather than unveil a standalone groupset, with GRX, Shimano has developed a whole new groupset ecosystem with three levels of performance on offer. Sitting atop the hierarchy, RX810 is said to align with Ultegra, whereas RX600 and RX400 are destined for the OEM market and sit alongside 105 and Tiagra.
As buyers progress through the hierarchy, shifting switches from 10, to 11-speed, components reduce in weight and increase in price, while Di2 and increased gearing options are offered, more on that below.
- 1x Makes It’s Way to the Road
Almost five years since industry rival SRAM debuted 1x shifting for the road, gravel and ‘cross scene, Shimano has finally taken the plunge and offered an option for riders to ditch the front derailleur. It’s worth noting that the Japanese outfit hasn’t gone all-in on 1x, with 2x drivetrains still dominating the GRX product line-up.
Both 1x and 2x systems are said to be offset 2.5mm compared to a standard road chainline for greater tyre clearance and efficiency. As a result of this, GRX double cranks must be used in conjunction with a GRX front derailleur.
- Wide Range Derailleurs
Working in conjunction with the new groupsets is a new range of rear derailleurs. Each series scores an individual derailleur option depending on whether users opt for mechanical, di2, 10-speed or 11-speed. There’s also dedicated wide-range 1x options which allow riders to use 11-speed 11-40t and 11-42t cassette options. Riders opting for the shorter cage derailleurs can run either 1x or a double crankset up front but are limited to a maximum cassette size of 11-34t.
In addition to increased range, all GRX derailleurs also score Shadow RD+ chain stabilisation tech first unveiled over on the Japanese giant’s mountain bike groupsets. The spring tension is also adjustable, meaning that riders can fine-tune the amount of tension on the chain to their personal preference.
Finally, top-end RX810 users also have the option to opt for Di2 shifting on both their 1x and 2x drivetrains, with each configuration scoring both short and long cage options.
- Refined Levers
An evolution of the brand’s ergonomic and highly regarded road STI levers, GRX scores a host of updates in the lever department when compared to its road-going siblings. The brake lever pivot point has been raised to increase brake leverage from the hoods; a scalloped finger rest has been added while the lever blades now feature a matte textured finish for improved grip.
The increased pivot point of the brakes gives a noticeably taller aesthetic and is said to provide more control when braking while descending on rough terrain.
- Chainring Options Aplenty
Using Shimano’s proven Hollowtech construction on top end RX800 cranks and 24mm axles across the board, GRX offers up a range of different chainring options. As previously mentioned, with the chainline pushed out by 2.5mm, the new chainrings work in conjunction with the new front derailleurs to provide increased tyre clearance. RX600 level chainrings are said to tip the scales at around 100g more than their range-topping counterparts as a result of a forged manufacturing process, rather than using the lightweight and more expensive Hollowtech construction.
Chainring options for each series include; * RX800 1X: 40 and 42T. 2X: 48-31T
RX600 1X: 40T. 2X: 46-30T (10-speed), 46-30T (11-speed)
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