Product test
I’m in love with Shimano’s new XTR Di2 components
by Patrick Bardelli
Shimano’s new GRX groupset for gravel bikes passes with flying colours
31.10.2023
Translation: Eva Francis
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
The new GRX groupset by Shimano has been on the market since September. The update for gravel bikes is available in three versions. I had the chance to test one of them for a few days. My first impression? So good I didn’t want to get off the saddle.
A few weeks ago, the Japanese bicycle component manufacturer Shimano expanded its GRX series for gravel bikes with a new, mechanical 12-speed drivetrain. The company has also revised the ergonomics of the brakes and developed new carbon wheels. The new GRX groupset replaces the previous 11-speed groupset with three 12-speed ratios, offering variants for any riders and rides:
- 1x12 with small gear steps for racing
- 1x12 with large gear steps for touring
- 2x12 for versatility and flexibility
The new RX820 1x12-speed for touring and mixed-terrain riding with lots of climbs is equipped with a 10-51 cassette and a 40- or 42-tooth chainring. This combination makes sure you never run out of gears on steep gravel roads or in the mountains. I’ve tested this variant in the last few days, covering about 70 kilometres and a little over 1,000 metres in altitude on three rides.
Like the other two, this groupset also features an integrated chain stabiliser for maximum chain safety. It’s operated with an on/off switch so that you can remove the rear wheel easily and without pulling on the chain in the event of a puncture. I haven’t tested this function yet.
Shimano RX820 1x12 vs. RX810 2x11
At the start, I’m sceptical as to whether the twelve gears are enough. Where I live, there aren’t any high mountains and therefore no long, steep climbs. The most challenging climb on one of my usual laps is 1.5 kilometres long, with an average gradient of seven per cent and a maximum of 19 per cent. Garmin classifies it as an easy climb (category 4). That’s better than nothing.
There are no steep hills, but constant ups and downs. It’s never just flat, so I accumulate quite a few metres in altitude. The terrain could be compared to the Ardennes, where there are no mountains, and yet your bike computer will have tracked several thousand metres of altitude gain by the end of the day.
I usually ride my Giant with the old GRX RX810 2x11 and an 11-34 cassette. And there are one or two climbs that I can only manage on the small chainring. However, my initial scepticism quickly gives way to the realisation that the gear ratio of the new Shimano GRX RX820 1x12 is sufficient for my needs. And yet, I can imagine that one or two additional small gears would be great for longer and steeper climbs.
In combination with the GRX’s new ergonomic shift/brake levers, this results in an overall agile cycling behaviour. With the old groupset, I really had to push the lever when shifting gears. With the new one, a light click does the job. In addition, the RX820 shifts gears without delay, whereas the RX810 takes a fraction of a second for the chain to change gears.
First impression: you want to keep riding
As we all know, the last impression is the one that sticks. For me, it’s a great one. With these new components, I don’t want to get off the saddle at all.
Gears
Brakes
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
