New SHIMANO GRX Offers Wide Range of Options for Diverse Gravel and Cyclocross Riding Styles

Following a multi-year global market study, product testing and development process, Shimano introduces the world’s first dedicated gravel component line: SHIMANO GRX. New for the 2020 model year, the SHIMANO GRX 800 series offers 1x11 and 2x11 drivetrains - with mechanical and Di2 electronic options - that allow riders to tailor their mixed surface riding experience and Explore Beyond. 

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

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. 

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 1x11 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 2x11 and 1x11 configurations. All GRX cranksets use a new, +2.5mm chainline for increased tire and frame clearance. 

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. 

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 off-road, or disengage for tarmac. Shimano GRX rear derailleurs are available in short (30-34T 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. 

Gravel-tuned ergonomics + shifting + braking + 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.

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 1x11 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 1x11 drivetrains. 

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 2x10-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.  

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.