The Ideal Tour Divide Drivetrain? Ultra-Wide Range Shimano GRX 2X11

[@AndrewBushnell]

You could also remove the B-screw completely and reinstall it from the other side, so the screw head is contacting the hanger instead of the screw tip. Harder to adjust but gives more surface area contacting the frame.

[@simonlynch4204]

Fcuk me that's genius. The real sauce is always in th comment!

[@dakalla]

Nice tip, i will try if this really works!

[@Cirrozz]

Anyone who tried and can give feedback?

[@AndrewBushnell]

@@Cirrozz works on my bike.

[@paddlingfan1]

I have nearly 5,000 miles in my 11-42 x 30-46 GRX810 with the Wolf's Tooth. I have some very punchy hills here on the Wabash river. I'm 64 years old. This system works great. I ride a 2022 Trek Checkpoint SL5. I would recommend this combination if you need more gears for the hills.

[@ElPasoTom]

With the wolfs tooth 10 or 11? I have the 2021 Checkpoint SL5

[@GasmanA]

Can you tell me specifically what cassette (XT CS-M8000 11 speed??) and is it the 10 or 11 speed wolf tooth?

[@paddlingfan1]

@@GasmanA Make sure you understand I'm using the GRX810 which has a total capacity larger than any other version "Total capacity: 40T"

[@GasmanA]

Yes i have the 810 Shadow R+….should be the same rd….so you know which Goatlink? The road DM or Goatlink 11 speed? Also, thats 47T total right?

[@paddlingfan1]

@@GasmanA The RoadLink DM (Direct Mount) is the RoadLink that fits Shimano’s GRX 810 (RX810), R7000 105, R8000 and RX800 Ultegra and R9100 Dura-Ace rear derailleurs. Since its introduction, the award-winning Wolf Tooth RoadLink has given riders the ability to easily increase the range of their Shimano road drivetrains while maintaining near-factory levels of chain wrap and shifting performance. Like the mountain-focused GoatLink, the RoadLink DM replaces Shimano’s stock direct mount link allowing you to relocate the derailleur to provide clearance for larger-than-stock range cassettes while maintaining chain wrap and improving shifting. The result-larger gear ranges that riders want and expect for their road, commuter, gravel, and touring bicycles. Compatibility Fits Shimano R9100-generation Dura-Ace, R8000-generation Ultegra, RX800 and RX805 Ultegra, and R7000 105 rear derailleurs Optimized for use with GRX ultra wide range drivetrains when using the GRX 810 (RX810) rear derailleur Fits standard derailleur hangers only Direct mount derailleur hangers are not supported. These are not common and the stock b-link that the RoadLink DM replaces will not be present on bikes with a direct mount derailleur hanger Optimized for use with 11-36t, 11-40t, and 11-42t 11-speed cassettes Will improve performance with 10-42t 11-speed cassettes, but not to factory levels Does not change the derailleurs total chain wrap capacity. www.wolftoothcomponents.com/products/roadlink-dm

[@bradsanders6954]

I did this on my Gravel bike, 2X GRX 810 with the 11/40 XT cassette. I didnt even have to put a longer chain on. It works great on the steepest hills Ive found. I even tried the 11/40 cassette on my Di2 roadbike, it works! Just needs a longer chain.

[@9498mg]

Goat link or no goat link?

[@tonypaddler]

​@@9498mg that's what I'd like to know too.

[@cryonish]

Best video on KZbin. Did this today, GRX 810 46/30 front, went from 11-34 to 11-40 in the back. I did have to switch to a longer chain as big-big was blocking with the chain my bike came with. Went with the default length and big-big/small-small won't kill my bike now. The only issue I have now is that in one or two in-between gears the chain jumps. Hope to get that right with some B-screw adjustments...

[@adski71]

I was only just commenting on the website the other day about this subject. I've got just shy of 5000km's on my Warbird running mechanical Ultegra with 48-32 Praxis Zayante 4iiii crankset, 11-40 XT cassette and Ultegra RX800 clutch mech. I haven't needed to modify the mech with either another B-screw or an extender. One thing I have noticed is that I think the mech is probably more sensitive to knocks and you have to do minor adjustments a bit more often. With the mechanical set-up I also think having the best quality cables is important for getting the best results with this configuration. For me that's the relatively expensive Shimano Polymer coated ones, and I give them an extra coating of Shimano SP41 cable grease too.

[@alexpoole3058]

Great video, I'm running GRX810 with 11-40 XT cassette switched to the goatlink10 found this has improved the shifting making it flawless. I think the better contact patch for the B screw has made the difference, the machining of the goatlink is far better than the stock bracket axle unit.

[@artcaballerojr]

Is is able to go on the front big and small big without braking?

[@artcaballerojr]

How is the set up running

[@alexpoole3058]

@@artcaballerojr Yeah absolutely manages both without any problem at all.

[@alexpoole3058]

Has been running flawlessly on my bike for a number of years now.

[@2Globaltravelers]

I want to thank you for this modification. Just bought my wife a new pricey gravel bike with Grx di2. Gearing wasn’t easy enough for her. Was wish I bought a frameset and did a Mullet build. BUT bought a XT 11-40 cassette and a 10sp goat 🐐 link. Went together nicely. Actually had to dial the B screw almost all the way in as it was pushing the DR too far out. So YMMV based on the frameset’s dropout setup. Thanks sooooo much. Will certainly help with backpacking. Now to mess around with my setup. Thanks much for this vlog perfect timing for us!!!!

[@danjohnson9487]

I'm in EXACTLY the same boat. New Di2 gravel bike for my wife (still waiting for delivery), but the Shimano GRX gearing doesn't match her current bikes. I have been searching for solutions wanting to correct this before her first ride (although I'll probably get her up and running w/ stock set up to avoid any delays). In the old days, I'd just put a MTB cassette and RD on her 9 or 10 speed bikes. Easy peasy and cheap. I was about to try the RX817 or figure out compatibility with MTB RDs which would have been expensive (but worth it for the gears!) But this solution will be what I try first. I plan to size the chain to give a safe big-big combo and either count on the Di2 to avoid small-small (assuming the chain's too long) or just live with that. I think people are much more likely to use the big-big combo than the small-small. Plus erring on the side of too-long chain just is noisy in small-small, not potentially catastrophic like a too-short chain in big-big. Long way of saying, I'm glad it works for exactly what I'm looking for. FWIW, my new gravel bike will be Etap AXS which (a) gives quite a bit lower gearing as a standard configuration and (b) is dead simple to combine with MTB stuff if needed. No complicated compatibility stuff needed, it's just cross-compatible.

[@cake_carbon_and_some_cardi7433]

Awesome, thx for the inspiration! I went with an 11-42 XT casette in addition with a roadlink DM on Easton 47-32 chainrings. Even with the stock 11-34 chain big/big isn't critical. Cervelo Aspero GRX mechanical.

[@daveebert7747]

Thank you for the excellent video, this was exactly what I was looking for. I want a Kona Rove LTD but the stock 11x34 wasn’t gonna cut it for me. Based on your results I ordered the bike, a 11x40 cassette and the 10sp Goatlink. Now we wait 7 months until the bike is delivered in August, arghhhh. Thank you again I love the channel, the website and I recently signed up for the Bike Collective membership

[@puregravy9086]

How'd it go? Just bought one of the last 54 cm Rove LTD framesets available on the east coast and am looking to do a similar build to what you described.

[@worth432]

Neil, you answered some questions I didn't even know I had. Thanks for the great video buddy.

[@31180HTB482]

Thanks to your video, I tested every combination you mentioned: the ideal setup for the 11-42 casette in combination with 31/48 cranks is to buy the RX-812 derailleur for large translations and use the derailleur cage of RX810 (or something similar long). Shimano describes the exchange in their instruction manual pretty perfectly. Furthermore then you do NOT need a custom goatlink! The original screw fits perfectly!

[@Batou_73]

Did you use a different Chain So a MTB Chain?

[@31180HTB482]

@@Batou_73 Hi Rory, I am using the "normal" chain which Shimano recommends for GRX: CN-HG701-11. I even didn't change the length after I changed my setup. Still works perfect 🙃

[@Batou_73]

@@31180HTB482 perfect fitted my 11-40 two weeks ago. Just wonderful!!!! Just plain perfect for hilly gravel rides you still have the speed but also serious climbing capabilities!

[@murasaki1177]

H can I please ask a question. Is this gear ratio combination possible 48/31 GRX crankset 11-42t XT casette GRX 810 RD with Wolftooth DM 12 speed Shimano chain Thank you.

[@31180HTB482]

@@murasaki1177 Hi Bücky, this should work with the Wolftooth Goatlink 10V. But when I tested, I found my combination of RX812 derailleur with RX810 derailleur arm fitting even better. But as you guess, it is of course much more expensive 😉😑

[@tinshield]

Just put on an 11-40 and still have plenty of b-tension. Added a 1.85mm spacer behind the XT cassette. Glad I had one handy. Should have done this a while ago. 558% range!

[@rsrnsrwds]

Outstanding video! Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for going into the detail with all the various set-ups. Searching around the net for information on this modification I've seen tons of interest from cyclists out there. You'd think Shimano would get the message. I went with the 11-40t XT cassette to go with my GRX 810 derailleur and 46/30 front rings. I used the Goatlink 10 speed and the B-screw is basically flush with the platform on Goatlink - and it's barely screwed in. Perfect shifting! I feel like I could have gone for the 11-42t without any problem, but I'm very happy with my 558% range and 20 gear inches.

[@pablola1001]

What reference is your 11-40 XT cassette? Thanks

[@rsrnsrwds]

@@pablola1001 Shimano Deore XT CS-M8000

[@pablola1001]

@@rsrnsrwds thanks

[@pablola1001]

I think it is for.11 speed and I need 10 speed. 11-40

[@rsrnsrwds]

@@pablola1001 Look at this these, Shimano Deore CS-M4100 10-Speed Cassette in 11-42t, or the Shimano Deore M6000 CS-HG500-10 which now has an 11-42t option.

[@jhartman1440]

This was awesome. Thanks for geeking out on whether different things would fit and even mentioning gear inches. Way to go.

[@shahbanu_empress]

Gear inches are the cycling equivalent of "on my machine," change my mind.

[@CEMIII70]

This is a great video. I have reworked a build I'm doing on my Domane SLR frame. I ordered the GRX 48/31 paired with a Leonardi General Lee CX 9/36 cassette with a goat link 11 on a Sram XD hub. This allows me to run on high better than 54-11 and as low as 42-50 with a close gear ratio 9-10-12-14-16-18-20-23-27-31-36.

[@artcaballerojr]

How is the set up going?

[@bqueezy9]

Cool video, I recently set up a mullet 1x12 drivetrain on my surly straggler. 38t chainring with 9-48t leonardi general lee cassette. 533% range with about 20.7 gear inches (650b wheels).

[@NDURcycling]

I have mounted a 11-46 XT cassette to my 1x GRX. I used the long cage and the Goat Link from Wolftooth. Works perfekt.

[@gregsullivan7408]

Thanks. I've tweeted this to Shimano - hopefully they'll address the situation and extend the low gearing, so we don't have to faff around.

[@sebastianjost]

Why don't you just use the grx derailleur that's meant for 11-42 cassettes? They do exist! (GRX RD-RX812 and RX817 for di2)

[@nikveldkamp8630]

@@sebastianjost Yes, but they're not meant for 2x.

[@danjohnson9487]

@@sebastianjost $$$ compared to this solution. Plus, if I'm not mistaken, their chain wrap is no bigger.

[@SeaCowsBeatLobsters]

@sebastianjost The upper pulley is offset from the pivot point of the cage. This means the pulley moves down as the der moves to a bigger ring because more chain is taken up. The problem is that this will also happen when you shift from the small to big ring in the front

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

About time somebody did this. I've wondered the same myself!

[@jonbettcher1712]

Great video - literally just switched to an 11-40t cassette on my GRX Di2 Cutthroat two weeks ago and it works great. One bonus about running Di2 in this setup is that you can program synchro shift so that it avoids the slightly out of spec big-big or small-small combos. In practice that 560% gear range is absolutely amazing for a do-anything bike like this.

[@wingit8288]

hi jon are you running a 2x system and any reason you went for a 11-40t over a 11-42? does is shift better on a 11-40

[@jonbettcher1712]

@@wingit8288 I think it could do it but sounded like it would be pushing it just a bit. 11-40 felt a bit safer than 11-42, and I wouldn't worry about breaking things if I accidentally shifted big-big for some reason. Also, it sounded like I might need to add some chain links to get things working OK with 30t/42t. There's another video that talks a bit about this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX_IioyDbsSUm68

[@Samsonmetaphysical]

Use a file or Dremel to put the proper groove in that derailleur hanger, that's what the Lord of the game told me and it worked.

[@corvus400]

Bought and Inställningar GRX front and rear deraileur. This video helped me alot! Thank you for your work brother!!

[@philipaddyman7402]

Well many, many months after this video I finally did the conversion: went from 34 x 48 Praxis Alba with 11v 11-34 Shimano cassette running with Ultegra clutch mech (same cage length and hence same Shimano official limitations as GRX). I dropped the big ring from 48 to 46t to reduce total teeth range in the system and added a Sunrace 11-40 cassette. It worked really well! Didn't even need to fully screw in the B tension screw. Sweet : )

[@fabianstephan3368]

I will do this as well, just bought an 11-40 cassette and will pair it with my GRX 46-30 crank and 810 derailleur

[@brandonpierce4102]

Did this one with a GX 11-42 cassette/r derailleur with a 24/38 front tied to Genevalle levers. Works great, I really like being able to dump a whole cog at once.

[@akissparaskevopoulos]

What brand is that 24/38 crank? Thanx

[@raphaelgernez6680]

Thanks for the video. I am running a 2x shimano ultegra with a 10-42 SRAM cassette for 2 years now - it works flawlessly !!!

[@xtrainerchronicles2085]

FYI, ltwoo 11- 52 with the ax derailleur works with ltwoo drop bar levers. I'm running this set up 2x with 46, 30 chain rings.

[@m_g7303]

You can simply use a GRX812, which is for 1x11 with 11-42 cassettes. The cage can be changed to an M8000 SPS cage (from XT) to equalize the chain lenght of a 2x11 drivetrain. The parts are available as spare parts. Shifts like Butter and can easily be adjusted. So, you dont need something from Wolftooth, even if the components are good.

[@黄辰旭]

The new magic script is the shimano road or GRX FD can work with 18 tooth diff chainring. Such as 48-30, 46-28, 44-26 and 42-24. so 2 smaller cogs would be better than 2 big ring right now.

[@holzvvrm7718]

​@@黄辰旭sounds great, although I can't find anything on that setup. Can you tell me more or link something?

[@phil_d]

Great video, and thanks for covering the Goat Links. Some say that you don't need a GL with an 11-40, but you get a better B Screw placement with one, so that's what I'll be using!!

[@Hermod_Hermit]

Running GRX 2x11, 46-30 front. With a Wolftooth Roadlink the GRX rear derailleur easily handles a SLX 11-40 cassette no other changes but that you need to tune the shifting a little. This set up allows me to forget not to cross chain, as it handles both extremes on the front/rear without any problems. Frame is Niner RLT steel, and I use 114 links on the chain iirc. I have found this is pefect for my use, but ofc a 42 cassette would be nice if traversing the Alps or similar... Not tried that size cassette on my set up though.

[@timothydoyle8269]

Thanks for sharing this. I am running the grx400 46-30 x 11-36 and am looking for a bit more climbing gear. Good to know that the goat link works with the larger cassette. Did you end up trying 42? Curious if that would be too much. Thanks

[@Hermod_Hermit]

@@timothydoyle8269 After much trial and some error I finally ended up with a slightly different tweak. Things worked just great but I wanted them to work even "greater", if you catch my drift. Kept the 11-40 cassette in the rear, but I got a GRX RX812 rear derailleur (yeah the one for the 1x11 drivetrain) and also a Garbaruk derailleur cage. In that cage I then put the original jockey wheels from the RX810 derailleur as to get enough "leverage" to really keep the chain taught enough on the high end of the gears. This set up did away with the fact that I, after some use, noticed that the Wolftooth slipped for me, and had me need check it a bit to often for my liking. I think that a Wolftooth with slightly longer reach, and "set angles" - sat 5 degrees apart - would be the cheap ticket. Sadly, that does not exists. I say; get a Woolftoth and try it! I had immensely fun until it just started to get a little bit annoying. But it was so worth it so I do not regret a minute of that tweaking. Now, with the last set up, things pretty much feels like factory stuff, with the only exception that if I cross shift big/big, the gears protest.

[@artcaballerojr]

​@Hermod_Hermit have u tried any new set ups or still with the 812 in back

[@Hermod_Hermit]

@@artcaballerojr Nope, gone with a Garbaruk long cage on the same 812 derailleur, and that really smoothed things out to another level entirely. No more Wolftooth, despite it working just fine. Looks cleaner. I also used the old jockey wheels from the 810 derailleur to get the chain length just right. But as of late I've fallen in love with then new 1x12 GRX system, so this bike has seen little use this season.

[@richroberts8238]

Good job. Always good to see what others trying.

[@adski71]

An FYI regarding cross-chaining! I regularly cross-chain using big-big, 48t front and 40t rear, and under strain when climbing! I don't over use this combo but I'm certainly not afraid to use it and I haven't experienced any issues so far. As I've said before that's 5000km's on my set-up. I'm on my second chain, a KMC X11 SL Gold. I ride my bike in all conditions including winter in the UK. We just had one of the wettest on record and I had no issues👍

[@dlevi67]

May I ask if you are using Di2 or mechanical? I'm in the process of speccing my new bike, and I'm thinking 48/31 front and 11/40 back, but not sure the chain will be long enough... or that Di2 can be set up like that!

[@adski71]

@@dlevi67 I'm running mechanical but by all accounts Di2 is even better as you don't have any issues changing under load whatsoever! I normally have to remove about 3 or 4 link's on KMC chains. I would start with the full chain then just remove a link at a time till you are happy👍

[@dlevi67]

@@adski71 Thank you very much!

[@davidburgess741]

This can be done on the cheap with Sora 9 speed with more even jumps! The reverse mullet. Samox Hollowtech style crankset comes with 28-44 chainrings. Change inner ring to 24 tooth XT ring. Microshift 11-32 9 speed cassette. With a Sora band type front derailleur mount, capacity is 20 tooth wrap difference. Sora RD capacity 34x11 so within limits. Granny gear is 20 inches. Top gear is 108 inches. A bit limited at th high end, but a loaded bike on gravel and worse, seldom would you need more gear. Mine is on a Topstone aluminum version road touring bike. Mine is set up 26-44 front 12-14-15-16-18-21-24-28-34 no roadlink or other mods needed. I VALUE the 66-74-79 ratios for flat areas for close cadence.This is a custom cassette! Someday I'll file the narrow spline on the 15 sprocket to align with the ramps and profiling of the adjacent cogs. It still shifts smoothly, so maybe not. Long chainstays on the Topstone make cross chaining work OK. It doesn't make noise when backpedaled.

[@gavinlloyd1509]

Amazing work , thanks for sharing and figuring it out for us , will go with the 10speed goat link and 11-40 thanks to your hard work 🙏

[@pikonrad]

Hi thanks for nice video, I have question how much longer chain do you need when you use goat link?

[@alexathegreat8647]

Currently using GRX RD 812, 10speed Deore cogs 11-42, Tiagra 4700 sti, and GRX RX 600 46-30 and GRX RX 800 FD. Works perfectly fine 👌

[@YumiAmakura0803]

The RX400 RD won't work with a 11-42 cassette?

[@jaywaldon201]

Running exactly the same set up which was working perfectly, although cross chaining has become an issue lately.

[@wickedskillz101]

oh damn that's a wide ratio. how did it hold up?

[@TheSimonibb]

would love to see you do this with the new 2x rival electronic. cheers.

[@worth432]

Can you tell me why you would pick the 10 speed over the 11 speed goat link? Thanks!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Yep, so I am trying to mimic the same length as the bracket axle unit that comes with the RX815. The Goatlink 10 is much shorter than the Goatlink 11. I'm not throwing a big pancake cog on the bike, so I'm not necessarily looking for more clearance, I'm just looking for something that can hold that b-screw into place better. The Goatlink 10 worked really well, and it didn't extend the whole derailleur system out.

[@worth432]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom Thanks a lot for the detailed reply, makes sense!

[@akeofalltrades]

BIKEPACKING.com First off, great video. Definitely the most comprehensive on running a large cassette with 2x set up. Second, if you did run the 11 speed goat link, would that allow you to run 11-46? Also, does goat link decrease shifting performance if you use it? Thanks!!

[@justinmartinez5485]

Ake Paramadilok I really hope this question gets answers- cause it’s what a lot of us want to do-

[@akeofalltrades]

Justin Martinez I learned that the 10 speed has a length that is very similar to the stock shimano derailleur part. The only advantage to 10 speed goat link has is that b-screw shelf orientation allows the b-screw to be screwed in further without decreasing contact area between the tip of the b-screw and the ledge that it rests on to just the edge of the screw. This is a good solution if your derailleur can accommodate the high and low sprockets in terms of travel but need longer b-screw to help with shift quality and top jockey wheel position. 11-speed goat link is longer so it will help expand the capacity of your derailleur to accommodate a larger sprocket (>42t for 805rx). The trade off with the 11 speed is that it drops the top jockey wheel lower so it could decrease shifting quality in the smaller 4-5 sprockets, while the top jockey to be pretty close to the largest sprockets. This is because the angle at which the road derailleurs travel is shallower and more appropriate for road cassettes, which have less disparity between smallest and largest sprockets (seen when looking at side profile of cassette). MTB derailleurs on the other hand, travel at steeper angles cause they are designed to accommodate 11t to huge 46t or so. Hope this helps.

[@neilmeansneil]

I’ve been running standard 105 R7000 front and rear mechs with an 11-40 Slx cassette and 50 - 34 chainset on my bike for over 1000 miles with full range of shifting available. It’s a great range of gears for any road!

[@Graptos]

Neil Henderson With a standard “B” screw, or did you swap out the standard “B” screw for a longer one?

[@nikveldkamp8630]

Great Video, cool analytical, technical approach, plus all the testing outdoors - Perfect. I currently run Ultegra r8000 cranks (50/34) with a standard Ultegra RX derailleur, so basically similar to the GRX RD in terms of capacity. About the same results: Put on a 11-42 XT cassette - runs without problems. Tried the goatlink 10 but it didn't seem to provide as much chain wrap on the 11T cog as the standard derailleur link does, the latter with some turns on the B-screw, of course. For heavy-loaded bikepacking, up front I might still swap to absoluteBLACK sub-compact chainrings (46/30T), and with cassette options from 12-25 up to 11-42 that should give me all the versatility I need. Whishing you more of those rainy workshop days, Cheers, Nik

[@jackriley1989]

Great video! How was the derailleur position in the smallest cog you can reach while in the small chainring? GRX Di2 locks you out of the smallest two when you're in the small ring right? Like on road Di2? I know small ring and 3rd smallest is not a good gear to use, but I like to idiot-proof my drivetrains because mistakes can be made when you're tired. Does the derailleur overlap on itself in this configuration?

[@billmaidment5623]

So are you better off getting the grx RX-817 which is rated for a 42T cassette or would you have to give up the option to use a 34T as the 817 spec says min. 40T?

[@sebastianjost]

The 817 and 812 (I think are their names) are meant for 1x drivetrains and can therefore be used with larger cassettes. However the total capacity they can absorb in chain length is smaller than that of the 2x rear derailleurs. So when trying this conversion, you're better off with the 2x derailleurs (810/815). However someone else mentioned that using the derailleur body of the 1x derailleur and the cage of the 2x works very well for 2x drivetrains with a large cassette (like 11-42)

[@htonmusic]

that was a spicy twist! i bought a 650 wheel with an 11-40 casette and was worried it wouldnt work!

[@uknowbass]

Use an XTR mountain bike rear derailleur to expand the cassette options. Compatable with GRX 815 DI2

[@jbratt]

Super well done video! The camera work is outstanding. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words and good video is worth even more. (Well I say the last part). Anyway thank you.

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

From the beautiful bike rear end thumbnail I could instantly deduce that the bike in question is a Salsa WarBird. Salsa has nailed it with the WarBird frame design, especially, the rear triangle. A beautiful design!

[@mikesobo9818]

Except that it was a Salsa Cutthroat...

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

@@mikesobo9818 I don't remember if I watched the entire video, but it that is the case, then surely the 2020 model, whose rear end resembles WarBird's quite a bit.

[@7gibbens]

Great info. Saved me all the hard work for gearing my next "do everything" gravel build 😁🚴‍♂️👍🇦🇺

[@ianyoung5064]

Good video, very informative. Why did you use the goatlink 10 as opposed to the 11, with the 810 derailleur?

[@dustineasley6272]

What about running the 1x grx rear derailleur with a 2x crank?

[@stevethorne3526]

Having run aRD-R7000-GS last year, but feeling the need for a clutch,I took a punt that the GRX 812 1X would work, so i've put that to an 11-42 with a Praxis LevaTime 48/32 on my Diverge, and done over 1000 miles on it now. The B screw sits sweetly in the hanger detente.

[@SpaceDjoxy]

@@stevethorne3526 Does the rear derailleur cooperate nicely when you go in between the chainrings, since it's designed for just one?

[@eisernerbursche]

I use an 11-40 xt cassette, grx long cage + wolf tooth and a 42-26 double. Works flawlessly.

[@dennismicallef9350]

Nice. That's the sort of setup I'm after. Can you share some details about your front derailleur? Is it GRX, and did you need a braze on adapter to reach all the way down to the 26t chainring?

[@eisernerbursche]

@@dennismicallef9350 it's grx and it reaches super close to the chain stay. My frame hasn't anything welded on for front derailleur, so I could freely move it around.

[@esabaliauskas]

Thank you for sharing! This is very helpful. I have got GRX810 and wondered if I can put on 11-42 cassette!

[@justindwyer3430]

Very informative. Thanks. I am torn right now between a Di2 GRX with 48/31 and 11-34 or a 1X ETAP setup with 42 upfront and 11-50. Part of me thinks maybe the 1X with the (MTB) 50 is the ideal touring drivetrain?

[@thepleasureroom9646]

Have to come back and thank you for this video. I'm now running my diverge comp carbon 810 2 x 11-42 and it is awesome. can climb all day and not die :)

[@BernatCasero]

You needed the roadlink dm? how many links in the chain?

[@thepleasureroom9646]

@@BernatCasero KMC X11EL 11 Speed Extra Light Chain 118 links and using the 10 speed wolf tooth as used in the video. No additional links were added or removed

[@31180HTB482]

Such a Great Video with so helpful Details! Thank you so much!

[@steveplant1799]

Agree.....I have 11-40 XT with 48-31 GRX chain set/shifters and derailleur (mechanical). No issues completed a gnarly gravel race yesterday (Seven tour of Margaret river). No shifting issues, no dropped chain. All good, however, the pilot was broken

[@braulioferreira1432]

Hi. Do you have RX-810 or RX 812 rear derailleur? How many links does your bicycle chain have?

[@Radnally]

Wolftooth worked for me with an 11 40 and a deore long cage.

[@nendinosaurus]

Did you use the same chain for the 11-34 and 11-40 cassettte in this demonstration of the ultegra mech? Or did you put a longer chain on for the 11-40?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I used the same chain for all 3, but the 11-42 is where I noticed I needed a longer chain. I used a standard 116link chain.

[@nendinosaurus]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom thanks! Great info and great video! Ok so that would correspond to a 114 link chain for a 430 mm chainstay bike (instead of the 445 chainstay on the cuttrhoat). I will try shimano 105 (R7000) 50/34 with the 11-40 next weekend and through summer and will report back. Cheers

[@saintless]

This is really a great video. Couple points of constructive criticism though, usually "capacity" is going to be discussed in terms of how much chain slack can be taken up, Shimano's "total capacity" while Shimano would say "max cog count" or "largest sprocket" or whatever when talking about vertical capacity as controlled by a B screw. Using the term "capacity" more loosely may confuse some viewers who aren't familiar with tech specs. Technically correct, for sure, just possibly confusing. The other is to be careful how you talk about adjustments, around 2:42 you mention "backing off" the B-tension screw, but wouldn't you tighten the screw in order to back off the pulley? Unless that changed with more recent derailleurs and I'm just way off the mark, I assume that was just misspeaking which again may confuse some viewers (or am I confused by a new design??). Perhaps you had the screw in the opposite direction to gain length, in which case you would actually back it off(?) if that's the case the initial setup just wasn't clear.

[@miguelt.7997]

I was thinking the same thing, I wonder if the chain is left with slack, since this setup exceeds the derrailleur capacity, unfortunately, there was no video of all possible gear combinations.

[@jayjohnson007]

Im running all shimano 105 11 speed 50 34 cranks and a 11-46 cassette the rear derailleur is grx 812 and the pulley cage is a rd m8000 ...shifters are flat bar rs700 11 speed....bit crazy....but it works....good top speed and low speed....am thinking about getting the garbaruk cassette and pulley cage ...for a bit of weight saving and smoother shifting....but tuned well what i have works great....

[@daseishorn1863]

*What about 10-42 with a 46/30?* The RD-RX812 (GRX) derailleur is made for 11-40/42 cassettes and 1x setups. The cage on it is too short for a 2x system. (86mm pulley center to pulley center) However, the 812 cage is identical to the M8000 XT GS rear derailleur cage! The XT M800 SGS cage is 108mm from center to center of the pulleys. This is longer than the RD-RX810 which is intended for 2x (105mm). The SGS cage can be replaced 1 to 1 and put on the 812. Result: Super wide 644% drivetrain wit a 19 gear inches lowest gear (assuming 47x650b) using only stock parts. No weird hacking like a taipan or anything. Instead of using the 10-42 SRAM cassette, one could also use the 11-42 from shimano, just to remain super stock. This setup has even been tested up to a 11-46: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZy4qaChqq-KhMk I´m curious if anyone else has done this. It seems to me like the ultimate drivetrain

[@stevethorne3526]

The rear deraillear can't count the chainrings, so just does what it's told very well. It also hasn't read the Shimano manual, so doesn't know it's out of spec. It's designed for 11-42, and doesn't know any different. Shimano are always a bit conservative on their chain inches and overlaps to allow for people like my better half who insist on noisy cross-chaining. That's why I've just converted hers to Di2 GRX, which also works well with 11-40, but still need to fine tune the sequencing on that.

[@oxharp]

Which way round does the 1.8mm spacer go on the free hub? does it only go one one way? Mine fell on the floor when I removed my cassette and am not sure if it is supposed to bottom out and the hub end or not.Thanks

[@franks1875]

Nice video! Thanks for covering this topic in detail!

[@MTBIKEXC]

Looking at a Salsa Warbird with GRX 600 parts, has 46/30 11-34. Can I replace the cranks (or rings on it) to maybe a 26/36 mountain bike crankset? Then maybe 11-42 would work easier? And I’d have amazing mountain bike-level gearing and a nicer 10 tooth difference in front which I could really use.

[@bradvansteinburg2962]

Yes , the 26 to 42 tooth rear will get you up the long steep hills better than a 32 to 42 t. Have fun.

[@STruple12]

Drink everytime he says "bracket axle unit"

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Lol!

[@xpaganda]

Could you rasp down the b-screw to make it more flush with the bracket unit?

[@sandykavor8434]

I run 1x11 GRX with 11-46 cassette and it works flawlessly.

[@tomcruz3774]

Would 2x11 and 11-46 cassette work with GRX?

[@sandykavor8434]

@@tomcruz3774 I don't think it would, plus it is not necessary to run such large cassette with 2x. 11-40 or 11-42 will give you plenty of range.

[@boomer39399]

Tom Cruz I’d be interested to see this, as a good setup for me bike packing....assume it would need a road or goat link plus derailleur cage/sprocket swap out with something like the Garbaruk offering. Will give it a go

[@thepleasureroom9646]

@@sandykavor8434 I am actually trying to fit this now. Will let you know if it works

[@thepleasureroom9646]

@@tomcruz3774 trying to have this setup fitted in the shop. Will let you know if it works

[@lawrencetang]

I suppose to add 40/42 to RX815, one should change the cage bracket used on RX812. That will give it a longer cage to support 42?

[@LoboalNorte]

Loving the videos!

[@mf0u3021]

SRAM Rival 10sp shifters, Shimano GRX FD & 46/30 crank, SRAM VIA GT RD, 11-36T cassette. Works an absolute dream.

[@artcaballerojr]

Ur running rim brakes correct?

[@mf0u3021]

@@artcaballerojr I was running mechanical disc, I’ve now upgraded to rival 22 hydro and an 11sp 11-36 cassette.

[@artcaballerojr]

@@mf0u3021 right on are you also using the cuthrought,

[@margauxlagarde8331]

Great video ! really informative ! I am wondering how could such a wide range drivetrain somehow be set up on a 2x11s shimano 105 5800 SGS long cage (& RS700 lever coupled with a 50/34 crankset) ? [gravel flat bar type of bike]. Thanks a lot in advance for the help ! Cheers !

[@MichaelGiersbeck]

I have just tested 11-42 on 105 5800 GS (there ist no SGS!) using a RoadLink-Copy. The manufacturer Bikeco/Bolany sells cassettes with that copy as a gimmick in good quality (both of them). 11-42 ist not as easy to handle as with version 7000 (which is similar to GRX 810). I guess on version 5800 11-40 would be fixed much easier. The RoadLink copy would also work on version 7000 or GRX 810. Different to RoadLink DM, it has to be installed addittionally, not replacing the original Link.

[@Mrmarginofsafety]

Excellent info very helpful thank you!

[@DetectingMyrtleBeach]

Excellent vid...just what I was looking for explained very well. Thanks.

[@SenorBeanGrouse]

I've been a Shimano and di2 fan for a long time, but the force axs eagle mullet setup is probably the best drivetrain I've ever used. Basically the same gear range and gear inches as this double setup with 1x simplicity. Definitely runs quieter than Shimano too.

[@onikage2046]

I would to try mix deore xt (rd8000) rear derailleur with grx front derailleur set.

[@onikage2046]

Haha...grx-xt

[@DanielStrojek]

GRX levers doesn't operate with xt derailleur, I've tried this setup and had to swap to RD810.

[@onikage2046]

@@DanielStrojek i see...but too bad coz xt rd8000 capacity 47t

[@DanielStrojek]

@@onikage2046 true, true it seemed to be a perfect derailleur 👌

[@carmm2742]

i have 105 and XT flat bar shifter, with GRX 810 FD and 48/31 with sram 11-36 cassette with XT m8000 long cage RD. Hoping this will work...

[@cdllucas]

Great Vid, cutting through the internet noise!

[@trisskenny2659]

I thought it worth trying a 2x 10-speed setup using the grx rd-rx400 derailleur given that it has a capacity of 41 rather than the 40 of the rx810 or 38 of the rx815 used by Neil. The rx400/11-42 setup works fine and I now have 500 hard Yorkshire gravel miles on it. I used a GRX 600 46/30 crankset and, like Neil, used a Wolftooth 10-speed Goatlink. My shifters are Tiagra 4700. See video of my drivetrain here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nInRe2yfbMiGeq8

[@timguter7827]

Great info and thx for the detailed video

[@edumeily9707]

what will happen if I used 11spd goat link type? can I use 11spd goatlink?

[@adamtacey1812]

I am a beginner here, but when you look at the 10 speed goatlink product page, it is optimized for 11-40 and 11-42 casettes, while the 11 speed goatlink is optimized for big cogs larger than 42 and shimano mtb 11 speed deraillures don't require it to run 11-40 or 11-42. The 11 speed goatlink might work if you already had one on hand, but otherwise the 10speed seems like the best one to order.

[@paulxt1]

Hey Neil! Quick unrelated-ish question; any issues using the EC90 crank and chainrings with the GRX front derailleur? Shimano’s official line is that GRX cranks should be used with the GRX FD because of the 2.5mm shift in chain line.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I have heard of one friend having an issue with getting into the big ring when in the middle part of the cassette with the Easton chainrings but I have yet to have that issue. That GRX crankset will simply not fit on the 92mm bb shell on the Cutty so this is what we have to work with and I’m a big fan of the Cinch system and it’s versatility.

[@masondanner6481]

BIKEPACKING.com funny enough, I am running identical gears but with a Rotor crank and an Ultegra front Di2 mech and on occasion have the opposite problem - a slow shift from the big ring to the small ring if I am closer to the middle of the block and under a bit of power - like when you suddenly slam into a super steep wall and need a much lower gear now. This only happens when I am being lazy with the Di2 and not modulating my power output and letting the system push the shift under power. When it happens if I “float” on the pedals for a half a beat lowering the power it clicks right over. Not had an issue ever going from small to big. Went with the Ultegra mech on advice from my shop since I was planning on using the Rotor crank with the narrower chain line.

[@WillH0724]

Great vid! … please some guidance and advice. I own a 2016 Giant Anthem carbon 27.5 … full susp … XT groupset. I’ve had many years of carefree mtbiking on her. My interest is now leaning toward multi day bikepacking (mainly gravel) … don’t have the cash available to invest in new bike thus considering converting my trusty Anthem for gravel use. I guess biggest consideration will be drivetrain … will GRX 2x work? MTB shifters? .. what would be the ultimate combo?

[@podfunk]

Deore 3 x 10. Job done. Don't fear the triple.

[@justinmartinez5485]

A lot of our bikes now a days aren’t made to fit the triple

[@liambarker6953]

Any reason why you didn't use the RX812 rear mech which will take a 42T cassette? Is the fact it's specifically listed as 1x means it has some limitations that mean it won't work smoothly with the double upfront?

[@braulioferreira1432]

I would like to know that too!

[@Walcingham509]

Great video! very educational.. thanks for posting.. and thats why I was contemplating using the XTR rear mech even though I have GRX crank?

Oh, my GOD! Your drivetrain is so *filthy* it almost resembles *mine!* BTW, I'm at about 4000km with an Acera derailleur and a 11-42 casette... The tensioning screw sits well on the hanger and never had any issues with that. I might try 45T next cassette change... Those bastards lied to us... 36T largest cog, dammit! :))

[@mramazingtroy]

Any chance of 3-D printing a part to give the B screw more purchase?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Might be worth putting something in Wolf Tooth's ear -- "GravelLink"

[@EditioCastigata]

I've 3D-printed the entire hanger for my Vitus Mach 3 (actually, had it printed over the internet), dropping the number of parts. Tips: Don't draw the thread, have a shop cut it in afterwards (M10×1 btw., „Feingewinde“ in German; cost me 5€ for two hangers).

[@黄辰旭]

I use the 44/26 by 11/36 right now, only has a litttle bit lower highest gear range than 48/31 by 11/42. It's 0.72 to 4.00 right now.

[@PhilSnider]

Diggin the videos! Any tests coming up with the 10-46? For me running a 1x with a 36t chainring and the Sunrace 10-46t cassette is perfect.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I’ll do that next. I’ll need to get a bigger chain and that cassette, it can be done.

[@theironceo]

Great Video. i have a GRX 810 rear and Ultegra FD 2x11. i want to run 2 sets of wheels a 11x42 and the 11x34 i am running now. do you think i can swap wheels with a single chain. Looks like I would have to mess with the limiter screw. But don't want to have other adjustments.

[@janmostien2286]

Could this also work with the goatlink 11 speed instead of the goatlink 10 speed?

[@akissparaskevopoulos]

I have 11-42 with the 105 back derailleur B screw is screwed in almost all the way but it works I would say almost perfect.

[@designateddaniel]

I have a grx-810 on my Fuji cross using a sram 11-36t cassette and 46/36 front chainrings. It was setup by the local bike shop and it has a lazy shift coming down from the 36t out back and they said its just because I'm "exceeding capacity" but I know it is possible since the shifting you demonstrated in the video is crisp. Would you recommend adding some b screw clearance to help or would the 10 speed goatlink help the shifting? It does shift clean everywhere else just when spinning in the 36x36 combo then shifting up it takes a few extra rotations before it drops

[@drrabjohns]

Super helpful. Great video. What model 11-40 did you use? Thanks

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Neil used the XT CS-M8000 cassette.

[@lionelclavier2476]

Hi ! Great video. 1. Could you do a table summary and post it in the description with the various combinations used and showing what works / what doesn’t. 2. I have Ultegra 6870 11s Di2 long cage with 50/34 and 11/40 + the RoadLink. I have done roughly 5000km. Not a single problem.

[@domenicoferraro2322]

Have you tried (or thought about it) to swap inner/outer plates of a rd rx817 (intended for a 1x) with plates from a super long cage from an XT rear derailleur (RD-M8000 inner/outer plates SGS) to increase chain wrap and make it work with a 2x drivetrain and bigger cassettes? In theory it should work..

[@soundbites1152]

The parallelogram of the derailleur will also factor in how big of a cog you can run.

[@fogrider4607]

Great info. Did you lengthen the chain each time you installed the bigger cassette?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

No, I used a standard 116 link chain, but when going up to the 42t cassette, it could be helpful to use a longer chain.

[@tftbr7770]

Great video! will this work exactly the same with grx 600 2x set up?

[@donschloth5785]

Why did you choose the goat link 10 over the goat link 11? Thank you.

[@Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes]

Doesn't it require a more severely dished wheel to accommodate a 11 or 12 cog setup leading to a more fragile rear wheel? Or have standard hubs become wider since the introduction of 1X12?

[@soundbites1152]

The "Boost" spec 148 mm x 12 mm was created for this reason. It offers wider hub spoke flanges for better bracing angles for the spokes, leading to stronger wheels. There is no boost spec for road bikes. The best you'll get on a modern road bike rear hub is 142 mm x 12 mm. And that is wider than the original 130 mm, obviously. I think 11 speed road went to 135 mm QR originally, which is the same as 142 x 12, but with a difference in the axle length, with the hub flanges being the same distance apart.

[@Alex_564]

I take this would work with any 2x crankset? Would you suggest to be safe to use a goat link or would I be fine without it? Would swapping the upper jockey wheel to a Wolftooth 11spd or both wheels to a garbaruk GRX one help? This will be on a gravel bike & not touring.

[@no_Ray_bang]

I run a 3x10 44/34/24 with an 11-42 it's pretty awesome, but clearly I'm not planning on racing