Yes, you’ve read the headline correctly… Shimano has finally brought out an electronic version of its 12-speed GRX gravel-specific groupset. The memorably-named GRX RX827 groupset brings a 1 x 12-speed electronic option to the GRX lineup, with riders now able to choose between single or double chainring electronic configurations.
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Shimano says the new GRX RX827 has “no special frame requirements”, which means it will be compatible with most gravel frames on the market. It’s not aimed at a specific sub-genre of gravel riders, focusing more on precision shifting and chain management than out-and-out performance or durability.
The main focus: the RD-RX827 wireless derailleur
The RD-RX827 wireless rear derailleur design is borrowed from Shimano’s MTB-specific XTR Di2 groupset, with a skid plate, low-profile design and automatic impact recovery function for those pesky rock strikes.
It comes in a long-cage spec only, and Shimano claims the rounded appearance of the derailleur helps to “glance off obstacles”. But you probably shouldn’t be jumping on it like SRAM’s T-Type system.
Although maybe we need to do some light kicking to test the impact recovery function, which Shimano says will return the derailleur to where it was post-impact. The battery is removable but also rechargeable on board the derailleur, and has a claimed range of between 700km (435 miles) and 1,000km (621 miles).
It also has a claimed weight of 449g and a price tag of £430. The battery costs £40 and the charger a further £29.99.
Pull the lever, Kronk
So what else is new? The new groupset is largely centred around the rear derailleur. The RX825 Di2 dual control levers, XT 10-51t cassette, RX820 crankset and brakes are already part of the Di2 ecosystem.
But, there is a new hydraulic disc brake lever, called BL-RX825-L, when it’s at home. This is the buttonless left lever specifically for 1x setups, and it will set you back £200. It weighs a claimed 19.5g less than the ST-RX825-L, so you can make up for this weight reduction by adding a few more jelly babies to your pockets.
If you prefer to have buttons on both sets of fingertips, you can still use the GRX RX825 dual control levers, which come with three Di2 customisable buttons. This means you can choose what function the buttons serve, for example, controlling lights or cycling computers. Sadly, there still isn’t a function for pre-ordering your McDonald’s order ready for the end of a long day in the saddle…
Choices, choices
Riders can also choose between 40T or 42T chainrings to go with the 10-51T Micro spline cassettes. We’d question whether it would be beneficial to include smaller chainring options like a 36T for riders in hilly areas, but there’s no mention of these sizes at the time of writing.
If you’re running an e-bike, there’s an “electronic option” crankset designed for both adventure (which we’re reading as gravel bikes) and mountain bikes, as the tech is built to MTB crank standards (hopefully these come in lengths shorter than 170mm).
Budget-friendly aluminium gravel wheels are also being released by Shimano. They’re called WH-RX180-TL-700C and come with a 25mm internal rim width, hooked tubeless rims, and can swap between Micro spline or HG L freehub options.
They weigh a claimed 2,105g with the HG freehub and 2,113g with the Micro spline.
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