Shimano has released its last (most likely) fully wireless Di2 product for the season – the highly anticipated gravel-centric 1x12-speed GRX Di2. However, rather than a wholesale reinvention, the new 1x electronic GRX (RX827) builds on and incorporates existing elements within Shimano’s mountain and gravel catalogs to offer a 1x option for drop-bar bikes.
It’s been a massive month in drivetrain news across the cycling industry. For perhaps the first time in recent memory, the two most prominent players have each launched substantial new or updated tech; with Shimano moving fully wireless in its XTR, XT, and Deore Di2 mountain bike range and SRAM trickling down performance and ergonomic features from its flagship RED components to both Force and Rival dropbar platforms.
Suvi Loponen
Our tech team has been quite busy evaluating many of these launches, including the SRAM Force XPLR E1 13-speed gravel groupset and Rival AXS E1 2x road bike group, as well as Shimano’s XTR Di2 M9200 and XT Di2 M8200, launched within just weeks of each other.
The TRP and Classified collaboration Vistar/Powershift was also in the mix, which combines a 1x12 wireless groupset with Classified’s two-speed internally geared rear hub, somethingRonan reported extensively on the project when it was seen at last year’s Eurobike. And if that weren’t enough, Campagnolo overhauled its top-tier Super Record road groupset, taking it to 13-speed and with a much-welcomed new shifter, too.
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At what appears to be the end of all of that, today Shimano launches 1x12-speed GRX Di2. This release marks the appearance of a fully wireless, wide-range gravel groupset, which was notably absent when 2x12 GRX Di2 RX825 came out last year. And now that we know what Shimano had coming for the mountain bike segment, the timing gap makes more sense. An important distinction, however, is that 2x12 GRX RX825 remains unchanged, still only partially wireless as its derailleurs require small-format SD300 wires and run off a central battery like Shimano's road Di2 groups.
Highs: All of the same excellent ergonomics of 2x12 Di2 GRX with the crisp shifting and durability of XT Di2 M8200. Traditionally mounted derailleur, instead of direct mount, offers wider bike frame compatibility.
Lows: The brake-only lever lacks dropper actuation control as does its mechanical counterpart. No native integrations with electronic dropper posts or Hammerhead computers. Prices are getting expensive, and there is not yet a more affordable 600 series 1x12 Di2 GRX.
Cost: US$2,282; €EU2,012; £1,740; CA$ 3,033; AU$2,943. Price listed is for the full groupset, including shifter/brake kits, rotors, crankset, rear derailleur, battery, charger, cassette, and chain.
Cockpit
Let’s look at the GRX controls first, as they feature one of two new (and optional) components in this launch. The new 12-speed Di2 GRX is a 1x drivetrain and can be controlled with a pair of GRX ST-RX825 dual control levers, which provide shifting functions for both hands, or with a new BL-RX825-L brake-only lever on the left side and ST-RX825 on the right for right-side-only shifting.
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