Shimano is introducing a new, Di2-compatible second tier to its GRX gravel components range. Called RX717 and sitting below the RX820 series, it will still feature electronic shifting, while the RX600/610 series with mechanical shifting now sits third in the GRX pecking order.
The RX717 series is solely a 1×12 groupset, and offers a long cage rear derailleur (SGS) capable of handling a 10-51T 12-speed cassette, a right hand dual control brake lever with two Di2 buttons, and a left-hand brake (only) lever. All brakes are hydraulic, as you’d expect. Shimano suggests matching these components with an RX610 chainset, an M6100/M7100 12-speed cassette, M6100 chain and RT-CL700 brake rotors, although other combinations are possible.
The fully wireless Di2 platform offers fast and precise shifting, as well as compatibility with all Shimano 12-speed wireless shifters across its road and mountain bike component ranges. This includes GRX, Dura-Ace, Ultegra and 105, and in addition, XTR, XT and Deore flat bar Di2 shifters can be used.
The RD-RX717 uses SHADOW ES technology, and its slim and low profile should lead to fewer derailleur strikes with lesser consequences.
In addition, the Automatic Impact Recovery function instantly returns the 12-speed derailleur to its original position after impact. The rear derailleur body has a wide and well-braced linkage. Solid pulleys minimise debris entry and ensure durability.
The SGS Long Cage can cope with 10-51T cassettes, and the removable onboard battery should last for between a very specific 435-621 miles of riding, depending on the conditions of course.
The right-hand lever and rear derailleur are able to be connected to the Shimano E-TUBE app, which allows choice over shifting speed, the ability to customise the shift buttons, and you can also update the derailleur firmware here.
The lever reach can also be altered to suit different riders’ hand sizes. There is an adjustment range of around 16mm that can be set using a hex key, situated behind the top of the lever.
The right lever uses two CR1632 coin-shaped batteries, which give an estimated 3.5 to 4-year lifespan, enough for even the longest of trips. Just change before you start your next round-the-world trip!
The left lever is a hydraulic brake lever only, and has no shifting ability, as you’d expect in a 1x setup. There are two versions, which differ only by having either ‘GRX’ or ‘Shimano’ written on the lever. The Shimano-branded lever could be used as lower-cost option for riders already using Dura-Ace ST-R9270, Ultegra ST-R8170, and Shimano 105 ST-R7170, as the levers should have the same ergonomics and feel as each other.
Prices are £299.99 for a right hand STI lever and BR-RX410 front calliper (ready bled) or £219.99 for the lever only. The left-hand side costs £279.99 when paired with the equivalent rear calliper, or £179.99 for the lever only. BL-RS717 is GRX branded, whilst the BL-RS717-LS is the Shimano branded option. Finally the GRX rear derailleur RD-RX717 costs £379.99, which is £50 less at RRP than the RX827 model.
10 thoughts on “Shimano launches new GRX RX717 components to bring electronic shifting on gravel bikes down to a (slightly) friendlier price point”
Reach adjust screw located
Reach adjust screw located where you can actually see it is nice. ? My Rival shifters require lying on the floor with a head torch to find the hole and even then its hard to get the tool exactly at the right angle to the invisible screw. ?
But is it really so bad,
But is it really so bad, considering that you use this screw once and never use it again?
Anyway, the groupset looks nice, even though I hate the lack of a 2x setup. It also shows how far gravel has come. We’re likely to see a hierarchy almost as stacked as in road groups. I honestly didn’t think this trend would last so long and grow so big.
It’s almost like as if having
It’s almost like as if having a bike that does most things and allows us to go to most places is something that most of would find useful! Not that I’m convinced by electronic shifting, they are no doubt completely amazing and wonderful to use but they just seem like one more thing to keep charged up.
Im confused by the lever
Im confused by the lever ergonomics statement – GRX levers used to have different tops and a different pivot point so even if you get the Shimano branded lever it will look different and feel different?
I’m sure it does offer fast
I’m sure it does offer fast and precise shifting but £380 for an off-road rear mech sounds like madness to me.
Having smashed more than one
Having smashed more than one whilst graveling, I concur – they’re extremely vulnerable, you’d have to be mad to have a posh one.
The price difference from
The price difference from RX827 to RX717 of 50 quid is in the derailleur, but nothing is said about how it is different? …so what is the difference?
For sure: the pulleys (solid
For sure: the pulleys (solid vs “spoked”). Probably cage materials and overall weight as well.
Somewhere (think it was
Somewhere (think it was Biketart) had the 827 mech on sale, cheaper than this new 717 one. Wonder how long that will last?
Shimano parts always sell
Shimano parts always sell online WAY below MSRP. Comparing the MSRP of one model vs the online price of another is apples vs oranges.