Site icon Riding Gravel

Gravel Grinder News: Shimano Introduces 12-Speed GRX Mechanical Groupset

MG
Shimano GRX 12-speed intro

Please note: Information for this article was provided by Shimano.

With the introduction of Shimano GRX RX820 12-speed mechanical components, Shimano continues its legacy of innovation as the originator of gravel-specific components. Rooted in simplicity, reliability, and adventure, the new 12-speed GRX lineup delivers more gearing options along with unrivaled ergonomics so riders get the most out each unpaved adventure, wherever that might be.

With a focus on the heart and soul of gravel cycling, Shimano mechanical GRX receives this 12-speed upgrade delivering top-tier performance without an over-the-top price. And since gravel is all about personal expression and freedom to choose how and where to ride, Shimano GRX includes three unique 12-speed mechanical drivetrain personalities to cover the full spectrum of riders and rides. 

UNBEATABLE – SHIMANO GRX 1×12 with 10-45T

With a 10-45t 12-speed cassette, the tighter range GRX 1x option still has a 450-percent gear range. Image: Shimano GRX | Bend, Oregon

Riders who love pushing for personal PRs or duking it out at the sharp end of a race will appreciate the gear steps of the RX820 1×12 UNBEATABLE setup with a 10-45 cassette paired with a 40- or 42-tooth chainring. Just like its 11-speed predecessor, RX820 delivers smooth, reliable shifting but now features a wider gear range and extra cog, making it easier to find the optimal cadence for maintaining your position in the pack.

This setup employs the RD-RX822-GS medium cage rear derailleur designed for use with the 10-45T cassette and includes Shimano’s integrated SHADOW RD+ chain stabilizer, providing quieter shifting, and secure chain management in rough terrain.

Shimano GRX 820 1x Crankset.

FC-RX820-1 Crankset

RD-RX822-GS Rear Derailleur

CS-M8100-12 Cassette

UNSTOPPABLE – SHIMANO GRX 1×12 with 10-51T

For all-day—or multi-day—adventures heavy on climbing, the new RX820 1×12 UNSTOPPABLE option features Shimano’s wide-range, 10-51T cassette along with a 40- or 42-tooth chainring. This setup delivers optimal climbing gears for the steepest jeep roads or high mountain ascents.

The UNSTOPPABLE 1×12-speed setup includes the RD-RX822-GSG long-cage rear derailleur with integrated SHADOW RD+ chain stabilizer that is optimized for use with the 10-51T cassette.

Wide range 1×12-speed Shimano GRX groupset. Photo: Shimano GRX | Bend, Oregon

New for this generation of GRX is the ability to change or replace the derailleur cage between 1×12 options. This means if you need to replace your cage or your gearing needs change, you don’t have to buy a whole new derailleur.

Additionally, Shimano brings its proven MICRO SPLINE mountain bike hub technology to gravel with both 1×12 mechanical GRX setups. This lightweight aluminum freehub design seamlessly integrates with 10-tooth top gears and features smaller, more widely spaced splines that limit cog damage over time.

RD-RX822-SGS Rear Derailleur

FC-RX820-1 Crankset

CS-M8100-12 Cassette

UNDROPPABLE – SHIMANO GRX 2×12

For riders seeking the best of both worlds, the new 2×12 RX820 UNDROPPABLE drivetrain utilizes gravel-optimized 48/31 front chainrings paired with an 11-34T or 11-36T cassette. This setup delivers an ultra-wide gear range for spinning a comfortable cadence when cruising the flats, smashing endless dirt road rollers, or tackling a massive backcountry climb.

Shimano 2×12-speed GRX. Image: Shimano GRX | Bend, Oregon

This option delivers precise mechanical front and rear shifting and features integrated SHADOW RD+ chain stabilizer for ultimate drivetrain security over bumpy terrain. It maintains tighter rear cassette gear steps, ideal for subtle cadence changes during competitive racing and spirited weekend group rides. And the 2×12 setup seamlessly interfaces with most existing 700c wheels thanks to its use of the tried-and-true HG freehub body design.

FC-RX820-2 Crankset

The 2x GRX groupset uses a different rear derailleur than the 1x groupsets. Image: Shimano GRX | Bend, Oregon.

RD-RX820 Rear Derailleur

FD-RX820 Front Derailleur

CS-R8100-12 and CS-HG710-12 Cassette

Updated Ergonomics and Brakes

GRX’s ergonomic distinctiveness continues with its redesigned shift/brake levers. Adding 12-speed shifting without any additional lever bulk, the RX820 series shifters are designed for all-day comfort when using flared drop bars, a gravel cycling staple. By reducing pressure points and increasing surface area, your hands will feel less fatigued, and you’ll be better in control as you test your limits.

The new GRX shift/brake levers offer light and responsive mechanical 12-speed shifting. While the left lever of the UNDROPPABLE 2×12 GRX group delivers Shimano’s unrivaled smooth front shifting, the new 1×12 groups carry over functions for the left lever first introduced with the original GRX: a brake lever-only model and a dropper-specific option that seamlessly integrates braking and dropper post actuation.

ST-RX820-R/L – Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL Lever

Shimano GRX 820 Dual Control brake/shift levers.

ST-RX820-LA – Hydraulic Disc Brake and Dropper Lever

BL-RX820-L – Hydraulic Disc Brake Only

SHIMANO GRX RX610

For the more budget conscious consumer and to allow a wider price range on complete gravel bikes, Shimano has also updated its 600-series cranks and shift levers for 1×12 and 2×12 setups that utilize trickle-down technology from the original 800 series GRX component line.

Shimano GRX 610 Dual Control brake/shift levers.

Top features include textured hoods and anti-slip brake lever coating that bolsters control on rugged terrain. The new cranksets offer gearing options that specifically cater to the demands of gravel riding. The RX610 2×12 crank features 46/30 chainrings and is available in 165 mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, and 175 mm crank arm lengths. The RX610 1×12 crank has the same four crank length options and is available with highly durable steel 38T (a new option) and 40T chainrings to pair with a 10-45T or 10-51T cassette.

FC-RX610-1 Crankset

FC-RX610-2 Crankset

ST-RX610-R/L – Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL Lever

BL-RX610-L – Hydraulic Disc Brake Only

SHIMANO RX880 Carbon Gravel Wheels

Shimano RX880 Carbon Gravel Wheels.

Along with GRX mechanical components, Shimano is also introducing an updated carbon gravel wheel that’s purpose-built to handle the rough-and-tumble rigors of dirt road riding. The new RX880 wheelset is a full 64 grams lighter per pair than its predecessor and features the same shallow 32 mm rim height for faster acceleration and quicker climbing. The RX880 wheels are tubeless-ready and employ a progressive 25 mm inner rim width that’s suitable for tires from 32 mm to 50 mm wide.

User-friendly compatibility is further enhanced via a revamped DIRECT ENGAGEMENT hub design, borrowed from DURA-ACE wheels, that easily converts between MICRO SPLINE and HG L2 12-speed freehub bodies. It features quick and efficient engagement for rapid acceleration no matter the riding surface. The RX880 hubs and rims are laced with 24 J-bend spokes front and rear that maximize strength and reliability no matter how adventurous your next ride gets.

Shimano’s new Direct Engagement freehub design makes it easy to switch between Micro Spline and HG L2 cassette bodies. The RX880 wheels only support 12-speed cassettes.

WH-RX880-TL Carbon Tubeless Wheels

Exit mobile version