The news doesn't end here and gravel is the protagonist. Shimano GRX it is updated thanks to the 12 rear speeds and a mechanical operation which is in high demand in the gravel sector.
Two versions are available, both with single chainring and double front plate. GRX RX820 series It is versatile and substantial, capable of offering very high level performances also from a technical off-road perspective and overall it arrives new solutions for relationships. Shimano GRX RX600 It's aimed at those on a budget, and there are also new gravel wheels with carbon rims. Let's go into more detail.
GRX 12-speed: mechanical
A transmission that is free of electronics, smooth, reliable, fast, and extremely efficient, from a certain point of view it is as rich as it is essential. All these adjectives are an integral part of the DNA of the renewed Shimano GRX 12-speed, widely usable by those coming from mountain biking, by road riders and by those approaching gravel for the first time.
The three configurations
The one that adopts the suffix Unbeatable, or with the 1×12 transmission, with 40 and/or 42 tooth chainring and a rear scale of 10-45 sprocketsThe rear derailleur is of the Shadow RD+ type (borrowed from MTB) and allows for better chain management on particularly rough terrain. The drivetrain is perfectly compatible with GS and SGS rear derailleurs.
Unstoppable, or the configuration that takes shape from the previous one, but with the 10-51 sprocketsIn this case, a rear derailleur with an elongated cage is planned, in order to interface correctly with the increased diameter of the final sprockets. The two new GRX cassettes (461 grams and 470) just mentioned are developed with the Micro Spline engagement design, the same one used in the MTB field.
The aluminum crankset is produced with the technology Hollowtech II (655 grams declared) and features a 24mm thru-axle. Three lengths are available: 170, 172,5, and 175mm.
The third option refers to 2×12 and is called UndroppableThe aluminum crankset has two crowns 48-31, with the possibility of combining the 11/34 or 11/36 sprockets. In this case too, the rear derailleur with the Shadow RD+ clutch is provided.
The different options and combinations also influence the list price, around 1700 euros (the price of the RX600 version will be announced later).
Completely revised levers
At first glance, the design of the new generation is similar to that of the previous generation. In reality, The new Shimano GRX features redesigned and re-engineered shiftersCertainly ergonomic, the two controls are developed with a view to correctly matching the flared handlebars (with the flare facing outwards), reducing pressure points and increasing the contact surface. Also the upper portion of the rubber, where the palm of the hand grips It has been revised to ensure grip, comfort and optimal vibration dissipation.
A technical detail that is far from secondary. The left command, the one dedicated to the front derailleur, activates the derailleur in case of double plateau, activates a possible telescopic seatpost in case of a single chainring.
Shimano GRX RX610
As for the previous one it has the 12 speed, single chainring, or double chainringThe 2×12 version uses 46/30 chainrings, while the single chainring has 40 teeth, with the addition of the new 38 teeth. The sprocket scales do not change, 10-45 and 10-51 for the single, 11-34 and 11-36 for the double.
Carbon rim for gravel
They are the RX880, they have a tubeless rim with a height of 32 mm and an internal channel of 25They are designed for tires with widths between 32 and 50 millimeters, a truly broad range, for different interpretations and modes of use. They have external nipples and steel spokes, 24 for both wheels.
The hubs are made of aluminum, with a freewheel body that uses technology Direct Engagement, the same one used for Dura-Ace road and XTR mountain bike. This means that it interfaces with the latest generation 12-speed sprockets (Micro Spline and HG L2), but does not support 11 speeds. The declared weight on the scale is 1.394 grams (1.397 with HG L2 bodice).
