Gravel-focused riders have patiently waited for the GRX Di2 groupset to be introduced. After the profitable reception of the GRX 12-speed mechanical group, the brand new Di2 model confronted excessive expectations. We have been fortunate to have a while to evaluation the GRX Di2 12-Pace group on our dwelling roads and gravel. It exceeded many expectations, however left us wanting in others…
GRX-pectations
Some background on my GRX-perience: I’ve been driving and racing the GRX Di2 11-speed groupset for practically three years, and it’s my go-to lever form. I had the groupset on my cyclocross race/evaluation bike (Canyon Inflite MVDP Version), and it meshed completely with my match setup and aggressive model of driving. The truth is, I appreciated the lever a lot that I switched out the Ultegra 11-speed Di2 levers on my cyclocross race bikes to GRX Di2.
That mentioned, there are some enhancements that I’d like to see within the groupset, and upon receiving the up to date GRX Di2 12-speed model, I used to be pleasantly stunned with what was up to date.
In the event you’re on the lookout for all of the technical particulars, try our new piece in regards to the GRX Di2 12-speed launch right here.
Out of the Field – GRX Di2 12-Pace
Initially, I had been scheduled to attend the launch occasion however a number of canceled flights meant I’d be testing the group at dwelling. When my evaluation bike arrived, I first appeared on the lever form. For me, that is a very powerful contact level. The older form enabled higher hand placement for driving the bike on technical terrain and had an outlined “cease” level to forestall slippage. Upon inspection and affirmation that the lever hadn’t drastically modified, I began my construct fortunately.
Inspecting every bit as I reassembled my evaluation bike, I seen how a lot the Di2 GRX 12-speed resembled the mechanical model and the way a lot was taken from Shimano’s Di2 12-speed highway line.
Operating by way of the gears and ensuring all my shifting was dialed earlier than my preliminary journey, it was noticeable that this group shifts faster. The response time from push to rear derailleur is quicker. This quickness is obvious, particularly within the downshifts, with much less “clunk” and extra of a clean really feel.
The modifications to the groupset are refined however evident to somebody already immersed within the groupset performance.
Delicate Modifications – First Trip Impressions
My body for the GRX Di2 12-speed evaluation is the Specialised Crux, a motorcycle I personally personal and am very conversant in. This could give me the very best expertise and permit me to match it apples to apples with a virtually equivalent setup from my private bike.
My inaugural journey on the brand new GRX was on my native gravel loop. It’s a buffet of small, massive, and logging road-style gravel. The journey begins on the highway, and it’s a good way to really feel out small modifications and make changes earlier than getting distracted by the great things.
The primary notable distinction was how the lever paired with the Professional Discovery Bars. Shimano notes that the brand new lever design take gravel-style bars in thoughts. The flare on some devoted gravel bars will mess with some traditional lever setups, and a few are incompatible. Nonetheless, the texture of the brand new GRX levers paired with the Professional Discovery bar with a 12-deg flare provides an awesome basis to the hand placement. The bars and lever make a slight curve and provides a pleasant perch to the palm. The sensation is such as you’re resting your palms on the levers and never greedy them.
From this level on the bars, it’s very straightforward to entry the shift levers and the brakes utilizing one finger. The shift buttons have additionally been barely up to date, going from a “dotted or dimpled” texture to a lined or hatched one. This replace is sensible, while you push the textured lever, the hatching is in direction of the rider. This offers the shifting button some additional tooth and prevents slippage. This additional grip can be particularly good in case your levers are coated in mud. Plus, the hatches are simpler to really feel with thicker gloves.
Lever Form Replace
The brake lever form is boxier, and the identical is claimed for the entire high of the lever. The design crew opted for a fast and sharp level of stoppage for the lever, one thing that riders wouldn’t slip from. The result’s a barely wider, extra pronounced lever with a extremely aggressive bend within the brake lever blade. This up to date blade feels extra responsive, IMO, however that will also be a results of the up to date brake calipers.
Whereas shifting and particularly whereas climbing, the click-to-action response time is faster. The gear ratios are shut sufficient to note, “that’s an awesome gear for this hill,” and while you shift underneath load, it’s not loud or clunky. One other small however highly effective replace to the GRX Di2 12-speed group is the smoothness that it shifts underneath load, each up and down the cassette.
Shifting Underneath Load
We’ve all been there, “That hill is WAY steeper than it appeared on the strategy” requiring an emergency little ring bailout. I’ve carried out all of them, and typically your parts bail with you.
That isn’t the case with the brand new GRX setup. I may bail from massive to small underneath load and never drop a sequence, and it’s no small bounce. The identical is claimed about tremendous low cadence shifts, the shifting is spot on and expertly ramped for pure efficiency.
Up to date Brake Efficiency
Brakewise, I all the time felt the GRX groupset had a bonus. The lever form is sufficient to effortlessly carry out one-finger braking, and the caliper responds shortly. The up to date model has all of that and extra. The ability and modulation are higher, and the hassle wanted to interrupt is much less.
The lever pull may be very pure, with a transparent, clear really feel whereas braking. The responsiveness jogs my memory barely of after I first bought the up to date (1st version) Shimano XT brakes. They modified how I rode. I may late brake extra and trusted my potential to clean velocity within the corners. While you mix the brand new, easier-to-use lever blade with the up to date Shimano highway caliper, the consequence is a good brake efficiency and rider confidence.
Hittin’ Switches
My evaluation journey got here totally geared up with sprinter satellite tv for pc pods, my first time experiencing them past a one-off journey. I’m not a sprinter, and I all the time thought the buttons have been straightforward to entry from the drops. That’s not what Shimano was trying to showcase; nevertheless, they wish to exhibit you can keep comfortably within the drops for lengthy durations of time with out unnatural hand actions to the lever.
After spending time on lengthy slogg-ish gravel roads, I may see what Shimano was doing. In the event you’re within the drops churning away the watts, you’re within the zone. It’s good to have an up/down that solely requires a little bit thumb motion to vary the gear and hold churning. I’m not saying these are obligatory, however they’re good to have at that second and are very straightforward to put in with the wi-fi levers.
These auxiliary buttons are nice for those who’re comfy within the drops and a protracted headwind sector or slog. They’re a luxurious (which means they price barely extra), however they’re additionally fairly cool. In the event you’re a rider who spends a number of time within the drops, they’re value exploring.
What Did Shimano Miss?
The crankset for the GRX Di2 12-Pace isn’t a grand replace – it’s really a carryover. It’s like, why repair one thing that isn’t damaged? I get that 100%.
However I’d have appreciated to see a transparent 1X possibility. Riders (particularly for gravel and cyclocross) love the utility and minimalism of a single-ring possibility. I’ve a suspicion that we may even see one thing for the 1X rider close to cyclocross season, or maybe with the launch of the following Di2 MTB group because the mechanical 1x group already shares MTB elements. Both means, a one-by possibility would have made this a whole providing.
The opposite is an influence meter. Sure, we all know that there are different energy choices on the market. However — with Phases out of the sport and riders eager to be matchy-matchy, why not supply a GRX energy possibility? The opposite aspect of the argument (which I get), is there are numerous choices for riders on the lookout for energy calculation, and energy meter pedals are getting lighter and extra inexpensive. So depart the facility meter choices to the facility specialists.
GRX Di2 12-Pace – Lasting Impressions
After lower than per week on our new GRX Di2 12-speed evaluation journey, I’ve many impressions, principally optimistic. I’m impressed by what minor considerate updates can supply to a part set that I deemed already very refined.
The pricing construction is aggressive. It’s refreshing that the brand new GRX 12-speed group is ready practically (inside $50) on the identical worth because the 11-speed digital model.
My preliminary ideas in a nutshell: I like this groupset lots. I like the way it performs, together with the wi-fi entrance finish, the shifting velocity, and the whole lot else. However it hasn’t even been per week, so search for a long-term evaluation. I see myself placing it by way of the paces, particularly at Grinduro PA subsequent month.
Search for a full GRX 11-Pace VS 12-Pace comparability this summer season.
