Shimano introduces a wide range of options for diverse gravel and cyclocross riding styles.
“Following a multi-year global market study, product testing and development process, Shimano introduce the world’s first dedicated gravel component line: SHIMANO GRX. New for the 2020 model year, the SHIMANO GRX 800 series offers 1×11 and 2×11 drivetrains – with mechanical and Di2 electronic options – that allow riders to tailor their mixed surface riding experience and Explore Beyond.” – Shimano
Additionally, there is a second-tier and lower priced gravel-related group based around a 10-speed GRX groupset, a blend of GRX 600 and GRX 400 parts. More about that line-up further down in the article.
“Shimano’s development team designed well outside traditional confines to create a platform that addresses riders’ needs now and into the future. Built to enable riders to explore beyond normal riding possibilities, SHIMANO GRX urges riders to pursue a wide range of terrain. Be it gravel riding, modern adventure road riding, bikepacking, or fulfilling the needs of discerning cyclocross racers, SHIMANO GRX provides options ranging from gravel-tuned gearing ratios to custom ergonomics, from dropper post-integration to gravel-specific GRX wheels with wider rim profiles.”
Premium 11-speed Drivetrain – GRX 800
“Shimano GRX employs Shimano’s class-leading drivetrain technologies from both road and mountain bike components to deliver the hallmark shifting precision and stability for which the company is known. With GRX the net result is a smooth and quiet-running drivetrain that is specially tuned for the unique characteristics of gravel terrain, riding positions and gravel bicycle designs. For simplicity, Shimano GRX uses cassettes and chains that already exist in the Shimano lineup. In addition to the category-leading Shimano GRX 800 series, there are also two lower cost 11-speed components: a 600-series crank and set of shifters, which can be mixed seamlessly with 800 level parts.”
Check back on Wednesday 5/8/2019 for a Q&A session with Dave Lawrence and Nick Legan of Shimano USA.
Cranksets
“RX810 series cranks offer Shimano’s widest-ever delta between small and large chainrings, a 17-tooth gap, that also debuts the company’s first ever 48-31T option. This, when paired with the available 11-34 cassette, offers an exceptionally low climbing gear while maintaining a 48-11 ratio that allows riders to take advantage of strong tailwinds and long descents. RX810 series cranks also are available in a single chainring option for those who prefer the simplicity and decreased weight of a 1×11 drivetrain with one of Shimano’s wide ratio 11-40 or 11-42T cassettes.”
“Shimano GRX’s mid-priced RX600 cranks employ a 2-piece design and are available in 2×11 and 1×11 configurations. All GRX cranksets use a new, +2.5mm chainline for increased tire and frame clearance.”
It is important to note that both cranksets can be converted back and forth between 1x and 2.
Crankset FC-RX810-2 (2x)
- Wider-range 48-31T, 2×11 crankset for longer adventures and more challenging terrain
- Crank arm length: 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
- SHIMANO HOLLOWTECH II construction
- 722 grams
Crankset FC-RX810-1 (1x)
- 1×11 gearing for gravel and cyclocross
- Crank arm length: 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
- Chainring options: 40T, 42T
- SHIMANO HOLLOWTECH II construction
- 655 grams
FC-RX600-11 (2x)
- Wider-range 46-30T, 2×11 crankset
- Crank arm length: 165mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
- 816 grams
FC-RX600-1 (1x)
- Crank arm length: 165mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
- Chainring: 40T
- 753 g
Front Derailleurs
“Shimano GRX front derailleurs offer more tire, debris, and frame clearance thanks to a new outboard +2.5mm chainline design also found on GRX series cranks. Because of the outboard chainline, GRX front derailleurs must be used with GRX cranksets and vice versa. RX800 series front derailleurs deliver Shimano’s legendary front shifting performance while increasing front gearing range to a 17T delta. They are available in mechanical and Di2 versions.”
FD-RX815-F
- Di2 electronic precision shifting
- 17T front range capacity
- 131 grams
FD-RX810-F
- Lighter front shifting with ergonomic power curve
- Toggle link construction offers more cable routing options
- Precise and easy adjustment with integrated cable tension adjustment
- 94 grams
Rear Derailleurs
“All Shimano GRX rear derailleurs utilize Shimano’s proven SHADOW RD+ technology that has been tuned specifically for gravel, enabling riders to adjust the chain stabilizer to match the terrain: engage for a remarkably quiet ride with uninterrupted shifting offroad, or disengage for tarmac. Shimano GRX rear derailleurs are available in short (3034T low) or long cage (40-42T low) options for use with either road or mountain bike cassettes depending on the ideal range. RX800 rear derailleurs are available in both mechanical or Di2 configurations.”
RD-RX815/RD-RX817 (Di2)
- SHIMANO SHADOW RD+ stabilization
- Compatible with existing Di2 DUAL CONTROL levers
- Max. cassette range: RX815 (30T to 34T low) – RX817 (40T to 42T low)
- Max. front chainring range: 17T (RX815 only)
- Capacity: RX815 (38T) – RX817 (31T)
- RX815 (288 grams) – RX817 (322 grams)
RD-RX810/RD-RX812 (Mechanical)
- SHIMANO SHADOW RD+ stabilization
- Compatible with existing 11-speed mechanical DUAL CONTROL levers
- Max. cassette range: RX810 (30T to 34T low) – RX812 (40T to 42T low)
- Max. front chainring range: 17T (RX810 only)
- Capacity: RX810 (38T) – RX812 (31T)
- RX810 (251 grams) – RX812 (264 grams)
Shifting / Brake Levers + Dropper Post Control
“SHIMANO GRX has two new gravel-specific ergonomic hydraulic disc brake lever designs for riders, creating a variety of handlebar positions to solve gravel riders’ needs in rough terrain and for long-distance comfort. New GRX DUAL CONTROL levers feature a unique new gravel-specific ST design for optimal braking from the hoods thanks to the brake lever axis being raised by 18mm. Additionally, a new curved brake lever design optimizes brake feel and power. To ensure grip in the worst conditions the brake levers have a unique anti-slip texture application.”
“In another industry first, a new hydraulic sub-brake lever is offered for the top of the handlebars. It creates more braking options, ideal for cyclocross, modern flared handlebars, and riders of all abilities.” Shimano’s model number is BL-RX812.
“To integrate the use of dropper posts in gravel, SHIMANO created the GRX mechanical ST-RX810-LA left hydraulic disc brake lever that, when used with a 1×11 drivetrain, can control a dropper post while also keeping the cockpit tidy. The use of an integrated cable pulling system allows for 9mm lever throw to operate a dropper post. SHIMANO GRX also includes GRX600 and 800-series left side hydraulic disc brake levers with no dropper or shift internals for use with 1×11 drivetrains.”
ST-RX815-L/R Di2 Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL LEVER
- More secure grip in rough terrain from higher brake axis, anti-slip lever, thumb notch on hood, taller hood prevents hand slippage
- Weight unavailable at the time of writing
BR-RX810 Left side hydraulic disc brake lever
- Simple focus on hydraulic disc brake operation only
- Weight unavailable at the time of writing
ST-RX810-LA Left side dropper post lever
- Left side lever that streamlines handlebar by controlling dropper post
- Works with most dropper posts with cable heads at the shift lever
- Weight unavailable at the time of writing
ST-RX810-L/R Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL LEVER
- Gravel-inspired ergonomics and textured lever for extra grip
- 11-speed shifting range
- Light, high-performance mechanical shifting
- 565 grams
BL-RX812L/R Hydraulic Disc Sub-Brake Lever
- Brake access in multiple positions
- Quick braking while upright and in often fatigued riding position
- Weight unavailable at the time of writing
ST-RX600-L/R Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL LEVER
- Gravel-inspired ergonomics and textured lever for extra grip
- 11-speed shifting range
- Light, high-performance shifting
- 611 grams
Hydraulic Disc Brake Calipers
“GRX hydraulic disc brake calipers are flat mount designs that are offered in premium 810 series and 400 series. The calipers deliver powerful braking performance with ICE TECHNOLOGIES heat-dissipating disc brake pads and simple set up and maintenance thanks to Shimano’s ONE-WAY BLEEDING.”
Value-oriented 10-speed GRX drivetrain
“SHIMANO GRX also includes a 2×10-speed drivetrain for the price conscious that uses a blended specification of RX600 and unique RX400 components. The 10-speed GRX drivetrain utilizes several of the new designs and features of premium GRX series.”
FC-RX600-10
- Nearly identical offering to FC-600 11-speed cranks
- 2-piece, 10-speed crankset
- Wide range 46-30T design
- Crank arm length: 165mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
- 819 grams
FD-RX400 Front Derailleur
- Similar tire clearance and features as premium GRX FD
- Lighter front shifting with an ergonomic power curve
- Toggle link construction offers more cable routing options
- Precise and easy adjustment with integrated cable tension adjustment
- Total capacity: 16T
- 95 grams
ST-RX400-L/R Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL LEVER (10-speed)
- Gravel-inspired ergonomics and textured lever for extra grip
- 10-speed shifting range
- Light, high-performance shifting from premium shifters
- 613 grams
RD-RX400 SHIMANO SHADOW RD+
- Similar stabilizer technology and design as premium GRX series
- Compatible with existing Shimano mechanical 10-speed road ST
- Max. cassette range: 36-30T low)
- Max. front chainring range: 16T
- 41T capacity
- 303 grams
Gravel-tuned Wheelset
“With its new GRX-series wheels Shimano tips its cap to the experimental spirit of gravel. Offered in both 700c and 650b, the WH-RX570 is an affordable, durable way to continue blurring the lines between road and mountain categories. Both options feature a wider, tubeless rim profile and thru-axles.”
WH-RX570-TL-F12/R12
- Available in 700C and 650B sizes
- Wider 21.6mm internal width rim accommodates wider tubeless tires
- 12mm E-THRU axle design
- Tested and developed to withstand the rigors of gravel
Mixing & Matching of Shimano GRX Components
The following charts demonstrate how Shimano’s GRX components can be mixed.
Each of these groups will use cassettes and chains that already exist in the Shimano line-up. The below chart looks at what model cassettes and chains Shimano recommend to use as well as the gearing combinations that will be offered.
Shimano’s 1×11 option will offer a 40 or 42 tooth front chainring and will more than likely be paired with an 11-40 or 11-42 tooth cassette. You could possibly use the 2x rear derailleur on a 1×11 set up and pair that with an 11-30, 32, or 34 tooth cassette for a tighter range with closer gear steps.
For 2×11, Shimano’s chainring options will be 48-31 or 46-30. Those chainring options can be paired to an 11-30, 32, or 34 tooth cassette. The 2×10 spec will only offer a 46-30 chainring combo that can be paired with an 11-32, 34, or 36 tooth cassettes.
Shimano GRX Promotional Video
Pricing & Availability
|
RX810 / Di2 / 2×11
|
Crank | FC-RX810-2 | $224.99 |
| Bottom Bracket | SM-BBR60 | $23.99 | |
| Chain | CN-HG701-11 | $39.99 | |
| Front Derailleur | FD-RX815 | $226.99 | |
| Rear Derailleur | RD-RX815 | $286.99 | |
| Cassette | CS-HG800-11 | $89.99 | |
| Shifter/Brake Kit | ST-RX815 BR-RX810 | $390.99 | |
| Shifter/Brake Kit | ST-RX815 BR-RX810 | $390.99 | |
| Rotor | SM-RT800 160MM | $59.99 | |
| Rotor | SM-RT800 160MM | $59.99 | |
| Junction A | SM-EW90-A | $109.99 | |
| Junction B | SM-JC41 | $30.99 | |
| Battery | BT-DN110-A-1 | $159.99 | |
| Battery Charger | SM-BCR2 | $109.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| $2,355.80 |
|
RX810 / Di2 / 1×11
|
Crank | FC-RX810-1 | $224.99 |
| Bottom Bracket | SM-BBR60 | $23.99 | |
| Chain | CN-HG701-11 | $39.99 | |
| Rear Derailleur | RD-RX817 | $319.99 | |
| Cassette | CS-M8000 | $95.99 | |
| Shifter/Brake Kit | ST-RX815 BR-RX810 | $390.99 | |
| Shifter/Brake Kit | ST-RX815 BR-RX810 | $390.99 | |
| Rotor | SM-RT800 160MM | $59.99 | |
| Rotor | SM-RT800 160MM | $59.99 | |
| Junction A | SM-EW90-A | $109.99 | |
| Junction B | SM-JC41 | $30.99 | |
| Battery | BT-DN110-A-1 | $159.99 | |
| Battery Charger | SM-BCR2 | $109.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| E-Tube Wire | EW-SD50 | $24.99 | |
| $2,167.81 |
|
RX810 / Mechanical / 2×11
|
Crank | FC-RX810-2 | $224.99 |
| Bottom Bracket | SM-BBR60 | $23.99 | |
| Chain | CN-HG701-11 | $39.99 | |
| Front Derailleur | FD-RX810 | $51.99 | |
| Rear Derailleur | RD-RX810 | $111.99 | |
| Cassette | CS-HG800-11 | $89.99 | |
| Shifter/Brake Kit | ST -RX810 BR-RX810 | $391.99 | |
| Shifter/Brake Kit | ST -RX810 BR-RX810 | $391.99 | |
| Rotor | SM-RT800 160MM | $59.99 | |
| Rotor | SM-RT800 160MM | $59.99 | |
| $1,446.90 |
|
RX810 / Mechanical / 1×11
|
Crank | FC-RX810-1 | $224.99 |
| Bottom Bracket | SM-BBR60 | $23.99 | |
| Chain | CN-HG701-11 | $39.99 | |
| Rear Derailleur | RD-RX812 | $113.99 | |
| Cassette | CS-M8000 | $95.99 | |
| Shifter/Brake Kit | ST -RX810 BR-RX810 | $391.99 | |
| Brake Lever/Brake Kit | BL-RX810 BR-RX810 | $337.99 | |
| Rotor | SM-RT800 160MM | $59.99 | |
| Rotor | SM-RT800 160MM | $59.99 | |
| $1,348.91 |
Further pricing details can be found at this Google document.
Shimano GRX in Action
Interesting. Mt first reaction was – “Why? Is this really needed?” But then looking at the components the 46T/30T cranksets really caught my attention for use on mountain bikes, as I am NOT a fan of this 1x crap that nearly every mountain bike comes with these days.
Excellent gearing on the new cranksets when paired with their cassettes. Also, notice the header image for Gravel Cyclist of the brake lever… we were rocking those over five years ago, actuating a TRP HY/RD caliper! Glas to see Shimano has a true hydro in-line option for a secondary brake lever!!!
I like that 48 – 31 chain ring. Pair that with an 11- 34 rear cassette and you can do some serious climbing. I wonder if that chain ring would work with my Etap setup.
I doubt that crankset would work with a 73mm and most modern MTBs won’t have enough clearance for a 46T chainring.
OK, so still stuck with Dura Ace – the only groupo left, with 180mm CS.
Depressing.
Perhaps a 3rd party crankset? The White Industries R30 has a higher q-factor, but they do offer 180mm and you can run virtually whatever chainring you like with their VBC system. Check my site for my review of the White Industries VBC crankset.
So you cannot use an 11-42 cassete with a 2x drivetrain? Thats a major bummer, 11-34 on 2x is already available on all road drivetrains and you can buy sub compact chainrings from other manufacturers. I want the low 42-30 gear for the stupid steep climbs off road climbs around here and the 46-11 for road riding.
Rafael, if I had the groupset at my disposal, I would test out the 11-42 with a 2x… as an FYI, we have successfully tested an 11-40 with a 2x drivetrain here on the site, although that article and related tech is a couple of years old now.
dude, I use on my cyclo-cross in front a 2x 46×34 and behind an 11-42. RX8000 ultegra. I changed the elongator of the change for a longer .. perfect !!
I want the 46×30 GRX now
I’m using an 11 speed 11-40 Shimano cassette with an RT-R785 DI2 set up and a 46-30 Sugino crank and long cage Ultegra RD. Also using a Wolf Tooth Road Link and it all works nicely. But it would be great if Shimano would make it possible to use up to a 42 tooth rear with a double.
I’d wager you could run a 42T rear cog with the Road Link and your 46/30 Sugino… but I’d be a bit wary of shifting big-big.
Would the RX815 or 817 RD be a better choice that RX805 for running a 46/34 setup with a 11/42 (or 11/40) cassette. I’m considering to replace my RX805 with one from the GRX group to allow for a 0,8 ratio.
Thx
Unlike SRAM with their Force eTAP AXS, Shimano is clever enough to actually have a 1x gearing for gravel. That part seems to have escaped the great minds at SRAM.
Jom,
felipe once more.
I have a doubt that I do not know if I will be able to respond.
I use in my CX a R8000 mechanic ultegra group with mini v-brake tektro RX5.
I simply loved the 46×30 shimano GRX option. I intend to make a cycle-trip soon and for long climbs with the added weight of the luggage, and perfect for me.
I saw that I need the front derailleur next to the crankset, because of the 2.5 mm addition. ok no problem
my question, my left shifter R8000, or an R7000 would work with the Derailleur FD-RX810?
All the previous Shimano toggle link FDs are compatible with long arm FD designs cable pulls. So the guess would be these are also. That would mean the only 10 speed current group compatible is Tiagra 4700, which uses 11 speed cable pulls.
Compatibility with existing groups is a really interesting question.
Felipe, I don’t have the GRX stuff to give you a 100% correct answer, but I could not see any issue as to why those shifters wouldn’t work with the FD-RX810. The front derailleur is usually the less fussiest of all the mechanical components, providing cable tension is correct.
They’ve updated the compatibility charts: https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/com?cid=C-453&acid=C-455
Rx400 is definitely 4700 compatible with derailleurs and shifters, which means all other 10 speed is not.
Answer according to Shimano is yes, see https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/com?cid=C-453&acid=C-455
Nice stuff; but one thing disappoints me. I’m just not a big fan of large drops between the chainrings. I’m currently running bodged up 6800 crankset with 46/34, and sometimes a 46/36. I match these to either different 11 speed cassettes depending on the terrain, going from an 11-36, to a 11-32, or 11-28. Yes — there is a lot overlap between the gear ratios on each ring — but for me, that is a good thing. In the real world of evert day riding, I try to minimize shifting the front chainrings. It is always faster and safer to shift the rear cogs. I realize I may be in the minority here – especially with electronic shifting which reduces the chance of trouble on front der shifts. But even with my eTap system, I still avoid front shifts as much as possible. I do wish that both Shimano and SRAM would offer cranksets with more options for chainring preferences.
I’m running 44/34 and 42/34 on my bikes, so I’m with you on this. The cranksets are 2 piece, so I’m thinking the chainings for 2x are one piece, which makes bodging harder.
I interpreted this wrong, chain rings are 110 and 80 mm bcds, but with 4 asymmetrical arms.
I have a couple of videos coming out soon about chainring options…
There’s a lot to like, but IMHO the stock gearing isn’t low enough for bikepacking. For that, 30×40 is a good starting point, and lower is often useful.
I really want the hydro top-mount levers ASAP – is there any reason they shouldn’t work with other Shimano hydro road levers, like Dura-Ace 9120, R8020, etc?
Stephen, the hydro top-mount levers are in-line units, so I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t work with every part of Shimano’s hydro lever range. I too would love a set!
What’s old is new again! GRX looks a lot like the 2×10 Mountainbike drivetrains from 10 years ago. Has Shimano invented anything new?
I am super interested in a mechanical 2x. Does anyone know if it is compatible with any crank based power meters? I don’t like the pedal based ones and would hate switch the pedal for a new group set.
Also, does anyone see any problem running this groupset for cyclocross? I *hate* the 1x on my CX bike. It’s OK for most CX races, but I the gearing (38 chain ring, 11-32 cassette) is awful for my legs on gravel rides. .
The gearing is Shimano’s 48/31 on their own 2x crankset, so something like a Stages power meter would need to be retrofitted.
I don’t see why there would be any problems running groupset on a CX course, but the 48T big ring is less than optimal for CX. As for a 1x with a low gear of 38T x 32T… yikes.
IIRC, the spline on the Shimano road axles are standard, so *any* left hand HT crank should fit with any RH HT crank. However, it might look different, the Q might be a little different, etc; you may or may not care about this. FWIW, I have a 5800 LH crank with a Stages PM, and am planning on using this with a GRX RH crank once they exist. This should reduce the Q on the LHS by 2.5mm (good for me) if I understand what Shimano have been saying so far. I don’t care about looks; YMMV.
I’m sure Stages and 4iii, etc, will offer GRX PM cranks in due course.
I also have a LHS 5800 PM. Would love to know if this works. Please reply if you get this up and running? Thanks
It won’t happen for at least a few months as I’m overseas, but if/when it happens I’ll let you know.