Terms and conditions of use. Matthew Loveridge (formerly Allen) is BikeRadar's former senior writer, an experienced mechanic, and an expert on bike tech who appreciates practical, beautifully-engineered things. Choose between 10-speed and 11-speed, 1x11 or 2x11, and mechanical or electronic shifting. The parts feature innovative ergonomics, gravel-tuned gearing, and loads of options to handle the diverse demands of gravel riding. Visit our tours page for related adventures. Shimano Dura-Ace, GRX Road/Gravel Shift Cable Set (Y0BM98010) What is SRAM's XDR and XD? If you have 11-speed components, use 11-speed GRX components for your upgrades. What is a Through Axle? We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. This is the way that Shimano structures everything on its website. Shifting is mechanical only. A key change is the higher braking pivot which makes braking on the hoods easier. road.cc's Dave Arthur rode both mechanical and Di2 versions of GRX in atrocious conditions and said, "[The groupsets] kept changing gear with the usual metronomic precision that Shimano groupsets are known for. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. He looks like he should be better at cycling than he actually is, and he's ok with that. Gravel Upgrades: Mixing and Matching Shimano GRX and Road Components. The GRX FD is not officially compatible with the Ultegra crankset. For Shimano STI lever model numbers, add 50 to the base model number (e.g., ST-9100) to get Di2, add 20 to get for hydraulic brakes, and add 5 to get for small hand *1, so you can remember that the 70s are for Di2 hydraulic and the 20s for mechanical hydraulic. Go with GRX's 800 series 2x11 RD-RX810 or Di2 RD- RX815 rear derailleurs, designed for close ratio clusters, with 48/31 chainrings and an 11-34 cassette. Go with GRXs 800 series 2x11 RD-RX810 or Di2 RD- RX815 rear derailleurs, designed for close ratio clusters, with 48/31 chainrings and an 11-34 cassette. What parts are needed to convert a road bike to disc brakes and what to look out for when buying them. Also about chain compatibility with chains from manufacturers other than Shimano. The latest R9200 series has a 12-speed shifting system, which is currently incompatible with GRX. Aesthetically, theres something slightly mountain bike-esque about GRX. Even with tubeless and tubeless ready tires, punctures cannot be reduced to zero. For a long time, picking a freehub body was as simple as deciding between Shimano or Campagnolo, but sadly, things are no longer so simple. GRX is currently in very short supply because of the same factors that are making many bikes and bike parts hard to find. 11-speed. These newer 11 and 12-speed mountain bike cassettes fit the older and narrower HG freehub body by cantilevering the biggest cogs over the spokes. What is hookless rim? Like the rear derailleur, it gets hex-headed limit screws. Shifting feel is largely defined by the levers and the RX600s are much like their road counterparts, with a light snick from gear to gear thats somewhere between metallic and plasticky. At the time of writing there appear to be no GRX rear derailleurs available in the UK. For example, Shimano wheels are typically locked into the style of freehub body they were initially supplied with, and the company doesnt offer replacement freehub bodies for use with Campagnolo or newer SRAM cassettes. INFORMATION Cassette removal and installation tools required for SRAM XD are identical to those used for Shimano HG, Microspline and EV-style freehub bodies. THIS WEBSITE USES COOKIES TO IMPROVE YOUR USER EXPERIENCE. Freehub bodies are almost always replaceable, but not all hub/wheel brands offer all types of freehub bodies. The RX810 derailleur shown here is meant for 2 setups, has a total capacity of 40t, and is designed for a maximum chainring difference of 17t and cassettes that top out between 30t and 34t. Of course, electric (Di2) and mechanical components cannot be combined even at the same speed. If youre coming from an older groupset, youll need a small adaptor in addition to the standard Shimano bleed cup that you fill with fluid at the lever. Compared to regular road front derailleurs, the GRX front derailleurs have an additional 2.5mm outboard clearance to provide space for wider tyres, up to 42mm. The GRX derailleurs sit further underneath the cassette than traditional road derailleurs they don't extend so far out when you're using the small sprockets. The idea is that this provides more secure chain retention, reduces the amount that the chain slaps on the chainstays, ensures a quieter ride, and results in an uninterrupted shifting performance. There's a deeper scoop in the centre of the brake lever too, along with an anti-slip textured finish to provide a better grip. There are two types of disc brakes for road bikes, mechanical and hydraulic, but the mechanical type, which physically closes the caliper by pulling the wire, and the hydraulic type, which closes the caliper by the difference in pressure of the oil filled in the hose, have different structures and cannot be used together. I didnt feel compelled to fiddle with this (and switching it off has no discernible effect on shifting), but you can actually adjust the amount of friction in the clutch if you want to, via a bolt underneath the outer cover. Shimano offers dedicated GRX STI (combined shift and brake) levers, mechanical and electronic, which use what the brand calls a gravel-specific ergonomic lever design. HOME ", "It's affordable, easily upgradeable, works with many other Shimano components, and most of all works out on the road or trail to deliver a flawless shifting and braking experience in the worst of weather or trail conditions. Meanwhile, the new 12-speed road-specific EV freehub simply adds more splines to better spread the load area of the cassette and reduce the risk of the cassette biting into the softer aluminium material. Cassette and chain options come from current road (Ultegra, 105, Tiagra) and mountain bike (XT, SLX, Deore) groupsets. If you use the Di2 system and fit satellite shifters, you'll be able to change gear with your hands on the tops too. As ever with Shimano, the front shifting includes trim positions, which feel intuitive and natural in use. At (approx) 35 mm across the spline length, the original-width HG freehub remains current for mountain bike purposes, but is discontinued on road-specific wheels. Introduced with XTR 12 speed, Microspline is Shimanos answer to fitting a smaller 10T sprocket onto a freehub body. I would like to be able to run the 1x set up with both a 11-40 (for gravel) and 11-34 (for cross) cassette. While nearly all GRX components are compatible with Shimano road groups, there are a few exceptions and key features that differentiate GRX from Shimano road components. Actual weights (except where noted) for the GRX drivetrain I tested are as follows: Retail pricing for the GRX mechanical drivetrain I tested are as follows. The tubeless valve is an essential item for tubeless use. Three Levels of Performance. Equally, I wouldnt turn my nose up at the 10-speed RX400 option, which is excellent in its own right. GRX groupsets are only available with disc brake calipers and shift/brake levers. Advantages, Disadvantages and Points to Consider When Choosing. SHIMANO GRX, with its gravel specific ergonomics, optimized gearing options, As long as you maintain your current drivetrain speeds (10-speed versus 11-speed), the following GRX components are fully compatible and interchangeable with your existing parts: Shift levers, chains, brake calipers, bottom brackets, cables and housing, and Di2 batteries and accessories. The inline hydraulic sub-brake lever (BL-RX812, pictured above) is an interesting option. Todays gravel riders demand more of their bikes and of themselves. In this article, we will show you how to find out which tires are compatible with your wheel based on its specifications. If youre Shimano-inclined and looking to spec a bike for adventure, gravel or gravel-adjacent activities, it offers a wealth of options to suit different budgets, all of which perform well in the real world and are easy to live with. Bottom brackets are shared with the road range, and the crank splits into two parts with the axle fixed to the driveside. Shimanos GRX for gravel and DURA-ACE for road bikes are compatible with the DURA-ACE R9100 and 9000 series. That means no compatibility pitfalls, as long as you stay. As long as you maintain your current drivetrain speeds (10-speed versus 11-speed), the following GRX components are fully compatible and interchangeable with your existing parts: Shift levers, chains, brake calipers, bottom brackets, cables and housing, and Di2 batteries and accessories. There are three key differences to consider, though. 1x and 2x and even 10 speed options. I'm torn between which of the GRX derailleurs I need to buy. Types of center lock locking rings. Like most sites we make a small amount of money if you buy something after clicking on one of those links. Firstly, there was a short time frame (roughly 2004-2007) where Shimano introduced a 10-speed road-specific freehub design with a shorter body and deeper splines, in an effort to both reduce the chance of the cassette cutting into the freehub body and to increase the spoke flange distance. Mechanical disc brake calipers are easy to maintain and a low-cost way to upgrade from rim brake components to disc brakes. Older Shimano Ultegra Shifter compatibility. Thanks! Mounting adapters for bicycle disc brakes are essential when changing calipers with different standards or rotor sizes. This also means that the GRX cranks Q-Factor is +2.5mm wider on each side compared to Shimano road cranks. The Shimano compatibility documentation gives the official answers The RD-RX800 is compatible with all the 11 speed road shifters The RD-RX812 is compatible with GRX levers only, but that is because the RX-RX812 is for 1x setups, only the GRX range has 1x levers, with the left unit being a brake lever only. What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels? I wouldnt hesitate to recommend GRX, and the mid-range setup Ive focused on here is ideally suited to all manner of riding without costing the Earth. While this article covers the types of external spline fitments available on freehubs, its critical to note that each brand and model of rear hub is likely to use its own proprietary freehub. Summary of air pumps with booster/boost function. The following STI levers for road use are compatible with GRX components. 111 riders will have. Campagnolo has long used its own tall-spline freehub variant, something that in its current iteration dates back to its introduction of 9-speed gearing. What is a tubeless valve? Its equipped with an on-off switchable chain stabiliser i.e. a wide range of terrains and ride the way you want! The N3W freehub body features the same spline pattern as Campagnolos previous freehub, but is 4.4mm shorter in length. The top part of the hood curves back, letting you hook your hand into the hood for a more secure grip. On the 1 front, Campagnolos 13-speed Ekar groupset has the edge. Unless modified, these defunct freehub bodies are locked into Shimano 10-speed road cassettes only. If youre unsure whether your bike features a freehub or freewheel, then take a look at the rear sprockets and give them a backward spin. The chain is rubbing FD frame when on the largest or smallest cog (it is related to the initial setup). Quote: 10-speed mechanical. It is possible to upgrade your rim brake bike with select GRX drivetrain components; however, you must use Shimano road shift/brake levers designed for rim brakes. These wide-range cassettes will not fit any other freehub body, and similarly, no other cassette design (including Shimano 12-speed road) will fit a Microspline freehub body. That means no compatibility pitfalls, as long as you stay within the recommended tooth ranges and match the number of gears. Shimanos GRX for gravel and 105 for road bikes are compatible with the 105/R7000 series and 8800 series. I'm currently running on a Shimano GRX groupset with the RX810 derailleurs and 48-31T cranks. Shimano GRX 2x11 brake rotor compatibility. And on a related note, many wheel brands consider freehub bodies to be a service component that can only be purchased through an approved retailer sometimes, these things arent so easily sourced online. No matter the option you select, GRX rear derailleur offerings feature Shimanos SHADOW Plus chain stabilizer that can be turned on or off depending on conditions. Paired with 700c x 40mm tires, it delivers a top gear similar to a road bike with 25mm tires and a 50 x 11 gear. But it's not officially supported. However, before doing so I advise you to test how well the GRX rear derailleur works with a 11-46 cassette for example (however the only 11-speed Shimano 11-46 cassettes seem to have a very large jump from second easiest gear to easiest gear and the rest uniformly spaced -- perhaps some other manufacturer might offer a 11-46 cassette with evenly spaced ratios). The 211-speed setup tested here gives a low gear of 30/34, which would equate to a 24.1in bottom end with a 70038mm tyre. Branding aside, GRX brakes are almost indistinguishable from their road counterparts. What causes it and how to correct the distortion. The following is a summary of SRAM's proprietary XD and XDR standards, what makes them different from Shimano's, and what to look for when purchasing. Were impressed by what Shimano has delivered. The mid-level Shimano gravel groupset is an 11-speed mechanical groupset that permits a choice of 1x or 2x setups. The latest R8100 series has a 12-speed shifting system, which is currently incompatible with GRX. *When using GRX brake parts, only ULTEGRA hydraulic compatible parts are compatible. Its not a huge difference, though, and 105 levers are hardly noisy anyway. Introduced in our MTB range and designed for more aggressive riding, this feature gives the derailleur a super low-profile design. It also reduces chain slap, improves chain retention and minimizes the risk of clipping obstacles. Shimano GRX for gravel and TIAGRA for road bikes are only compatible with TIAGRA 4700 series and GRX 10. My test bike, a Genesis Croix de Fer 853, which I detailed in a BR Builds article last year, was equipped with the following: Ive also spent a good deal of time riding gravel bikes fitted with both higher and lower spec GRX groupsets, including the likes of the Canyon Grail 6 and Grail CF SL 7.0, and the Enigma Escape, and Ive drawn from the experiences of the rest of the BikeRadar team in writing this review. Compatibility. Rather than unveil a standalone groupset, with GRX, Shimano has developed a whole new groupset ecosystem with three levels of performance on offer. If you dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. This is commonly just called Shimano 11 or HG 11. Shimano GRX was designed from the ground-up to meet the rugged demands of gravel riding and racing. TIAGRA is easy to choose as a 10-speed grade, one step down from the current higher grade of 11-speed, but you need to be careful when choosing components for compatibility. Specifically, the drivetrain is basically officially compatible with the last two generations of components with the same number of steps. The GRX RD812 says it works with a minimum cassette of 40. You can't have a complete RX600 groupset because there's no such thing as an RX600 rear derailleur, for instance; if you want an 11-speed mechanical rear derailleur you need to go for RX800 level. See below for details on those. You can have a GRX groupset with either a mechanical or electronic front derailleur. Shimano GRX users can choose to spec one of their own 11-speed road or mountain bike cassettes. "Another reason the braking is improved on the ST-RX815 Di2 levers (above) is the addition of the companys Servo Wave technology from its mountain bike brakes. What is a tubeless valve, tubeless valve types, and how to select one are summarized below. For example, DT Swiss offers freehub bodies that cater to all current popular drivetrain demands, and (partly) as a result, a number of wheel brands choose to use DT Swiss hub internals. It is now commonly referred to as an HG Mountain freehub body and offers a nine-spline design, with a single wider (keyed) slot that aligns the individual pieces of the cassette. Similarly, the cassette is held by a unique size lockring that is not cross-compatible with HG-style cassettes. Understanding Bicycle Tire Specifications. In this issue, we will look at the differences between 700C and 650B, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Unlike the road cranks, which feature a closed-off axle, GRX uses an open design, with a hole in the driveside. It offers you the option to Explore Beyond. You can expect to see bikes with similar specs starting at around 1,600 / 2,000 / $2,000 / AU$3,000, but bike pricing is in flux at the moment, so thats a moving target. PRODUCT The 2x10 spec will only offer a 46-30 chainring combo that can be paired with an 11-32, 34, or 36 tooth cassettes. In recent years, GS (middle cage) models are also available in the rear derailleur lineup, but in the case of gravel components, the sprocket may be chosen to be a wide ratio product such as 11-42T for MTB, in which case the maximum tooth count may exceed 40, which cannot be handled even by GS (middle cage) models for road use. Both Shimano and SRAM 11-speed road cassettes require this longer 11-speed freehub body. Component categories and series of GRAVEL, Component categories and series of LIFESTYLE, Component categories and series of E-BIKE, Your smartphone to cycling computer on the bike, SHIMANO bicycle ride data collection/analysis service, SHIMANO AGAINST THE TAMPERING WITH E-BIKES, California Transparency in Supply Chain Act. Advantages and Disadvantages. If you wanted a 1x system with RX600-level components, for example, you'd buy an ST-RX600-R right shifter and a BL-RX600-L left brake lever. It uses the same Shadow RD+ geometry borrowed from mountain bikes, which tucks it under the rear dropout, making it less vulnerable to side impacts. It leads to an enhanced sense of control. Shifting is mechanical only. SRAMs Force 1 beats GRX narrowly too, with a 10-42 cassette options that gives a low gear of 38/42 (24.7in) and a high of 38/10 (103.8in). This looks great. Shimano GRX cranksets Shimano has finally, FINALLY made a dedicated 1 crank for drop bar bikes. Inside, outside serrations? Shimano GRX a long time coming but finally something to get excited about2/3 tiers of spec. "The proven clutch-style rear derailleur and Shimanos patented chainring tooth design ensured the chain stayed in place over the roughest tracks. As it's Shimano, many Hyperglide-compatible cassettes are possible, including Ultegra and 105, which helps to keep running costs down. The following is a summary of the differences and how to select the right one. This section summarizes what tire inserts are and the advantages and disadvantages of using them, which have been attracting attention along with the spread of tubeless tires and have recently been used in professional road racing. Summary of Shimano wide ratio sprockets for road bikes. A nice benefit your wife gains with this bike is that the RD-4700 rear derailleur can handle up to a 34T rear cog. Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc All SRAM cassettes that feature an 11T smallest sprocket will require an HG freehub body. 1x GRX chain sizing with 42T cassette. (Chainline is the distance from the centre-line of the bike to the middle of the chainring on a 1 setup, or to a point halfway between the two chainrings on a 2 crankset.) MANUALS & TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS GRX provides sensible gearing for Shimano-equipped bikes so hopefully no more roadie compact (50/34-tooth) chainsets on gravel and adventure bikes. If you're using a 10-speed system, you need the RD-RX400 which can cope with a maximum 36-tooth sprocket. Email us with comments, corrections or queries. Therefore the 10 speed Tiagra and GRX 400 can use 11 speed rear derailleurs and vice versa. At this time, only Shimano is offering the EV Road freehub, while all other brands are instead continuing to offer the vastly more widely compatible and easier-to-manufacture HG11 design. The GRX 800 series chainset is available 2x with 48/31-tooth chainrings, and 1x with either a 42-tooth or 40-tooth chainring. Shimano wide-ratio sprockets for road bikes are listed here, including compatibility by step number. Tech, reviews: tech [at] road.cc Secondly, a freehub is what the cassette (rear gear sprockets) is attached to. GRX is highly compatible with road-compatible components, Points to consider when combining with components for road bikes, Combine parts with the same number of speeds. The GRX 600 series chainset is available 2x with 46/30-tooth chainrings, and 1x with a 40-tooth chainring. *When using GRX brake parts, only TIAGRA hydraulic compatible parts are compatible. Similarly, new Shimano 12-speed road cassettes will fit HG 11 freehubs. Theres only one 11-speed mechanical GRX front derailleur, and its the Ultegra-level FD-RX810. The introduction of 11-speed road cassettes required a new freehub with the same spline pattern as Shimano HG, but an extra 1.85 mm of length to accommodate the additional sprocket (now measuring 36.85 mm). What is a through-axle? It has almost full Deore groupset, except crankset. Tiagra 4700 shifters are compatible with GRX RX400 derailleurs (front and rear), but apparently 105 5700 and Ultegra 6700 shifters are not. Offering low climbing gears perfect for mixed surface riding, the 11-speed Shimano GRX CS-HG800 cassette is compatible with both 10- and 11-speed freehubs. As a reminder, the GRX naming system works like this: This review will focus on more-or-less the cheapest possible 211-speed mechanical setup with RX600 levers, but Ill discuss the alternatives, and why you might consider going up or down the range. Heres everything you need to know about the line-up, includingwhats available, upgrades and prices, Best Cycling Website, BikeBiz Awards 2018, Your complete guide to Shimanos GRX gravel groupset July 2021, This is the way that Shimano structures everything on its website, Shimano's Hollowtech II hollow crank arm technology. If in doubt, consult your local bike store (or ideally the source of the wheel in question). For this reason, it's easiest to decide first whether you want: 11-speed Di2 2008present unless otherwise stated. This freehub fits 7, 8 and 9-speed Shimano and SRAM cassettes, regardless of whether the cassettes are for road or mountain biking. Firstly, it performs the ratcheting duty, allowing the cassette to stay stationary while the rest of the hub can spin freely so you can coast. When something wears out you'll have a load of options for replacement. Each has a chainline that has been shifted outwards by 2.5mm compared with existing road components for increased tyre and frame clearance. Even so, Shimano calls GRX the worlds first dedicated gravel component group". The booster simplifies bead raising, which is the most difficult part of tubeless installation. Shimanos GRX gravel components are derived from road bikes, so they are highly compatible with road bike parts. Shimano Microspline freehub bodies are only compatible with Shimano 11 and 12-speed mountain bike cassettes that feature a 10T smallest sprocket. Shimanos components for road bikes are designed for cross-ratio sprockets, so the maximum number of teeth and capacity of the rear derailleur are smaller than those of components for MTB. Advantages and disadvantages of torque management. But gravel riding isnt a new concept. The bead won't come up! The shifting and braking are both as good as weve come to expect from Shimano and I cannot fault the ergonomics the tall hoods feel very secure in your hands and the lever shaping is just right. We have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of hookless, as well as points to keep in mind when choosing. Besides, that ultegra crankset is prone to delamination failure (look at @thanksshimano on instagram). This is also why most Shimano 10-speed road cassettes are provided with a thin 1 mm spacer that must be used with regular freehub bodies (spacer goes behind the cassette, always). The second stipulation is that Shimanos 11-speed 11-34T road cassettes are actually rebadged mountain bike cassettes, which means they will fit on older 8-10-speed freehubs. SRAM 10-speed road cassettes are a direct fit without the need for such a spacer. This section explains the types of mount adapters, how to recognize them, and the model numbers of Shimano's mount adapters. NEWS > Shimano originally sent me the 42T chainring and 11-40 cassette, but I found that just a bit too high-geared for the often 10-15% gradient hills where I ride. What is bicycle disc rotor distortion? SHIMANO GRX, with its gravel specific ergonomics, optimized gearing options, rugged reliability, and quiet and stable drivetrain, sets itself apart from the rest of the component world. The one exception to this is Shimano, who to this day has never produced an XD freehub body for its own wheels or hubs. If you're in the market for a new gravel bike or want to replace your current drivetrain completely, a full GRX groupset is an ideal place to start. With the popularity of gravel road bikes and the spread of disc brakes, the choice of road bike wheel size has become not only the standard 700C, but also 650B. 6. Your hands stay put on the hoods, and your fingers are able to brake and shift even when cold, wet and muddy. Crappy wheels and a old school stem, and not particularly light. Originally a roadie, he likes bikes and kit of every type, including gravel bikes and mountain bikes, and he's tested a huge variety of all three over the years for BikeRadar, Cycling Plus, Cyclist.co.uk and others. Welcome to the latest edition of road.ccs buyer's guide to Shimano's GRX range of components for gravel bikes. The worlds first dedicated components for gravel adventure, SHIMANO SERVICE CENTERS Our mission is to bring you all the news thats relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. SRAMs XD freehub body was created to fit SRAMs own wider range mountain bike cassettes, which feature a smaller 10T sprocket; pre-existing freehub body designs couldnt handle anything smaller than an 11T one. You have a huge amount of cassette options, and it makes getting spares and replacements when a service is due . In other words, you sometimes have to mix and match. With the introduction of its new 12-speed road groupsets, Shimano also announced a new spline pattern specific to its new road cassettes. Tel 01225 588855. The key difference between the GRX 800 chainsets and the GRX 600 chainsets is that GRX 800 uses Shimano's Hollowtech II hollow crank arm technology to reduce the weight. If you pull the lever and let it spring back against its stop, the RX600 is quieter and feels more damped than 105, which might make it less prone to rattling over really rough ground. This article focuses on the attachment function of a freehub; the ratcheting purpose is covered in a previous feature about freehub ratchet mechanisms. 2. The RX810s have ceramic pistons, which are theoretically superior to the RX400s resin, but will you ever notice the difference? According to Shimano, road 11-speed shifters are compatible with GRX front derailleurs, so if youre looking to fit a GRX crank and front derailleur to your existing bike, you wont need additional parts to make it work. Options for multiple handlebar positions allow you to brake with confidence in all conditions. There arent GRX equivalents for every road component at every level, so GRX-equipped bikes will often mix different levels of components. Summary of Shimano disc brake pad types and compatibility. It attaches to the top section of your handlebar and connects to the main hydraulic line running to the front and/or the rear caliper to give you a second braking position. Like this site? As above, 10-speed compatibility is more limited. The beauty of the Shimano GRX Groupset is the fact it is compatible with a lot of Shimano components on the MTB and Road Groupsets.