Shimano is one of the world's leading manufacturers of bicycle components. Its drivetrains, braking systems, and other accessories are found on bikes from many brands, including Welt, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Giant, BMC, Cervélo, and many others. The Japanese brand was the first to offer a range entirely dedicated to gravel riding: Shimano GRX.
Before the arrival of GRX, gravel bikes were generally equipped with road or mountain bike drivetrains. The former prioritized speed on asphalt but were less suited to uneven paths and steep climbs. The latter offered a wide range of gears but were designed for different speeds and riding positions. Shimano GRX was the first groupset developed specifically for gravel, combining the advantages of both worlds.
Today, the Shimano GRX family includes both mechanical and electronic drivetrains, in single or double chainring configurations, to meet the needs of initial off-road rides, bikepacking trips, or sports events. When choosing a gravel bike, you'll encounter designations such as RX400, RX610, RX820, Di2, 1×12, or 2×12. Behind these names are groupsets designed for different uses, terrains, and budgets.
With the experts from Routes and Roads, let's review the Shimano GRX range, its specific features, currently available series, and the criteria to consider when choosing the most suitable drivetrain for your practice.
Table of Contents:
What is Shimano GRX
Specific Features of Shimano GRX
Which bikes is Shimano GRX designed for?
Different Shimano GRX Series
Which Shimano GRX groupset to choose
Conclusion
What is Shimano GRX
Shimano GRX is a family of drivetrain components and braking components specifically developed for gravel bikes. It includes levers, derailleurs, cranksets, cassettes, chains, and brakes, designed to work together as a cohesive system.
This range was born with the rise of gravel riding. Riding on varied terrain demanded a drivetrain capable of offering a wide range of gears, precise shifting despite uneven terrain, and ergonomics adapted for long distances.
Today, Shimano GRX equips the majority of mid-range and high-end gravel bikes, whether for daily commutes, bikepacking, touring, or competition.
Welt G120 bike equipped with Shimano GRX RX820 drivetrain
Specific Features of Shimano GRX
While it builds on Shimano's expertise in road drivetrains, the GRX range has been specifically developed for gravel riding. It offers gear ratios better suited to prolonged climbs and accepts cassettes providing a wider gear range. Most current groupsets also integrate Shadow RD+ technology, which limits chain movement on rough terrain. This keeps the drivetrain quieter and significantly reduces the risk of derailment.
The levers have also been redesigned. Their more enveloping shape ensures a safer grip on degraded paths, in the rain, or during long descents.
Compared to MTB groupsets like Shimano Deore or Deore XT, the GRX range maintains closer gear ratios and ergonomics designed to maintain a good pace over long distances. It thus lies halfway between the road and MTB worlds, an approach that has made it the benchmark for modern gravel drivetrains.
The new ergonomics of Shimano GRX levers offer a more secure grip
Which bikes is Shimano GRX designed for?
Shimano GRX was designed to meet the needs of modern gravel bikes. It is equally at home on asphalt as on rolling gravel, forest paths, or mixed routes where terrain, elevation, and pace change constantly.
Today, GRX groupsets equip the majority of mid-range and high-end gravel bikes. They are also found on many bikepacking and adventure-oriented models, as well as on some MTBs designed for long distances on varied surfaces.
In France, these bikes are particularly popular for exploring the Chevreuse Valley, the Vexin Park, the trails of the Fontainebleau Forest, or the major EuroVelo routes. These routes generally alternate between smooth asphalt, rolling gravel, degraded sections, and long climbs. In all these situations, Shimano GRX offers a versatile enough drivetrain to handle different terrains without compromise.
Welt G200 bike equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 drivetrain
Different Shimano GRX Series
In just a few years, Shimano GRX has grown from a simple range of mechanical drivetrains to a complete family covering the needs of beginner cyclists, experienced riders, competitors, and electronic drivetrain enthusiasts.
The Shimano GRX family currently comes in several levels:
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GRX RX400 is the entry-level groupset. It incorporates the fundamentals of the GRX family: hydraulic disc brakes, ergonomic levers, and reliable shifting, even on rough terrain;
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GRX RX610 is the most versatile version. Available in 1×12 and 2×12 configurations, it is suitable for regular training, bike touring, or daily rides;
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GRX RX820 is for cyclists who ride a lot and seek superior performance without sacrificing the simplicity of a mechanical drivetrain;
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GRX RX825 Di2 offers the advantages of Di2 electronic shifting while retaining the versatility characteristic of the GRX range. It equips high-end gravel bikes;
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GRX RX827 Di2, in a 1×12 configuration, is designed for sporty use, competitions, and the most demanding terrains.
All these series are based on the same Shimano GRX platform but differ in their number of speeds, materials used, configurations offered, and embedded technologies. As you move up the range, components become lighter, adjustment possibilities increase, and electronic Di2 versions appear. Let's delve deeper into the characteristics of each series.
Shimano GRX RX400 Drivetrain
Shimano GRX RX400
The GRX RX400 is the entry point of the Shimano GRX range. Despite its positioning, it is a true gravel drivetrain, designed for regular riding, touring, or long outings.
It is based on a 2×10 configuration with a 46/30 tooth crankset. This combination offers a wide enough gear range for climbing long hills while maintaining suitable gears for rolling sections on the road.
The RX400 features ergonomic levers specific to the GRX range, hydraulic disc brakes, and a rear derailleur equipped with a chain stabilizer. The drivetrain maintains reliable operation on rough terrain and is suitable for versatile gravel bikes, including models with carbon frames. It's an excellent choice for cyclists looking for a reliable, easy-to-maintain drivetrain with a wide enough gear range for riding on varied courses.
Shimano GRX RX610
The GRX RX610 is a versatile 12-speed drivetrain, designed for training, long rides, first bike trips, and regular use on varied terrain.
It is available in 1×12 and 2×12 versions. The single chainring configuration is appealing for its simplicity, reduced weight, and easy maintenance. It is particularly suitable for rough terrain and hilly courses.
The double chainring version offers a wider gear range and smaller gaps between gears. It is often chosen for routes combining road and gravel, prolonged climbs, and bikepacking.
Positioned between the RX400 and the RX820, the RX610 currently represents one of the best compromises in the range. It combines recent technologies, reliability, and excellent value for money, and for the vast majority of riders, it offers the performance level needed for regular riding and multi-day adventures.
Orbea Terra Race bike equipped with Shimano GRX RX820 drivetrain
Shimano GRX RX820
The GRX RX820 is the most advanced mechanical drivetrain in the Shimano GRX family. It was developed for long distances, intense training, endurance events, and multi-day touring.
Available in 1×12 and 2×12, it differs from the RX610 by lighter and stiffer components, which make shifting even more precise. The brake levers also require less effort, an advantage particularly appreciated during long descents or after several hours in the saddle.
The RX820 is aimed at cyclists who want to enjoy the best performance a mechanical drivetrain can offer, while maintaining ease of maintenance. Designed to withstand intensive use, it remains perfectly reliable in the long term.
Shimano GRX RX825 Di2
The RX825 marks the entry into the world of Shimano GRX electronic drivetrains. The Di2 system uses electric motors to move the derailleurs with consistent speed and precision. A simple press of the lever is enough to change gears, even when the drivetrain is dirty or when significant effort is applied to the pedals. The absence of mechanical cables also eliminates adjustments related to their tension.
The RX825 is offered in a 2×12 configuration. It is suitable for long road sections as well as gravel routes, extended climbs, or multi-day trips. Thanks to the Shimano application, it is possible to customize controls, shifting speed, and front derailleur operation.
Mainly mounted on high-end gravel bikes, this groupset will appeal to cyclists who seek flawless operation, more intuitive control, and numerous customization possibilities.
Sunn Venture Air S1 bike equipped with Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 drivetrain
Shimano GRX RX827 Di2
The GRX RX827 is Shimano's latest electronic drivetrain. In a 1×12 configuration, it stands out with its wireless rear derailleur and is primarily intended for sporty use, cycling events, and the most technical courses.
Compatible with cassettes up to 10-51 teeth, it offers a particularly wide gear range to tackle both the steepest climbs and fast gravel sections.
Its rear derailleur adopts the new SHADOW ES architecture, whose more compact profile reduces exposure to shocks. It also integrates Automatic Impact Recovery technology, which allows the mechanism to move away in case of impact before automatically returning to its initial position.
The RX827 is primarily aimed at competitors and experienced cyclists who choose technical terrains and want to benefit from Shimano's latest innovations. Its wide gear range and reinforced design also make it an excellent option for long adventures on rough terrain.
The choice of your Shimano GRX drivetrain should match the bike's intended use
Which Shimano GRX groupset to choose
All Shimano GRX series are designed for use on varied terrain and offer a high level of reliability. The differences mainly concern the number of speeds, component weight, shifting speed, and customization possibilities.
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Shimano GRX RX400: an excellent choice for a first gravel bike or primarily leisure-oriented riding. It is equally at home on the road as on forest trails, gravel paths, or easy weekend rides. Its performance level meets the needs of most cyclists, while remaining simple to maintain.
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Shimano GRX RX610: suitable for those who ride more often and over longer distances. Available in 1×12 and 2×12, it allows you to choose the configuration best suited to your practice. The single chainring version prioritizes simplicity and reliable operation on dirt roads. The double chainring version offers a wider range of gears for a comfortable pedaling cadence, an asset for routes combining road and gravel, mountainous regions, or bikepacking.
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Shimano GRX RX820: is aimed at cyclists who spend many hours in the saddle and are looking for the best possible performance with a mechanical drivetrain. Lighter, more precise, and more responsive than the RX610, it reveals its full potential during long rides, endurance events, or on demanding and dynamic courses.
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Shimano GRX RX825 Di2: ideal for enjoying the benefits of an electronic drivetrain without sacrificing versatility. The precision of gear changes, customization possibilities, and fluid operation provide real comfort, especially during long trips, where controls are activated hundreds of times a day.
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Shimano GRX RX827 Di2: groupset designed for sporty gravel riding. Its 1×12 configuration, electronic shifting, and absence of a front derailleur make it a particularly suitable solution for races, intense training, and technical courses, where operational responsiveness, minimal weight, and maximum concentration on the bike are most important.
Conclusion
Today, Shimano GRX is one of the most accomplished gravel groupset ranges on the market. All its components are designed to offer precise bike control, reliable gear changes, and efficient braking, both on asphalt and on gravel and other uneven surfaces.
The Shimano GRX range now covers all gravel practices, from initial rides to competitions and multi-day tours. Mechanical groupsets will appeal to cyclists who prioritize reliability and ease of maintenance. Di2 versions will suit those looking for even more precise operation and advanced customization options.
Before making your choice, take the time to compare 1× and 2× configurations, evaluate the profile of the routes you ride most often, and the frequency of your outings. A suitable drivetrain will allow you to climb more easily, maintain a comfortable cadence, and keep better control of the bike when the terrain becomes more demanding.
The specialists at Routes and Roads are at your disposal to help you compare gravel bikes equipped with different versions of Shimano GRX, choose the most suitable configuration for your practice, and prepare your bike for your next adventures.
