New 12spd Shimano GRX Di2 race-tested at Stetina’s Paydirt

Shimano's 12-speed GRX Di2 is here and I give you a rundown of what's new, what's continuing, and what's missing from this electronic gravel groupset before and after I race it at Stetina's Paydirt in Carson City, Nevada.
Bike Tires Direct has the group in stock now, minus the cranks, for $2,234: tinyurl.com/5n6ubdan
-
Ready to start getting faster? Get the FasCat app now, with a free first month and no credit card required: tinyurl.com/kut9se79
-
Prices and weights in grams by part
Left lever and caliper $556.99 415
Right lever and caliper $556.99 415
crankset $249.99 721
rear derailleur $409.99 310
front derailleur $209.99 142
rotor pair $121.98 228
cassette $87.99 391
chain $48.99 247
90mm wire $27.99 7.25
120mm wire $27.99 7.25
battery $184.99 53
charger $49.99 n/a
TOTAL $2,533.87 2925.5
-
Gear I use for shooting (not sponsored!):
X1 Self-Flying Drone: amzn.to/3V7MUn5
DJI Mini 3 Drone: amzn.to/3wK4eVY
GoPro Hero Black 11: amzn.to/3wK4eVY
DJI Action Cam 4: amzn.to/3wK4eVY
DJI Pocket Osmo 3: amzn.to/3wK4eVY
Sony Alpha ZV-E10: amzn.to/3QUSqHf
Sony Alpha a6300: amzn.to/3K7jFKK
Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS lens: amzn.to/3QNGh6L
-
The Ride is supported in 2024 by:
Castelli clothing: tinyurl.com/43k6pftp
Perc Coffee: tinyurl.com/etzyekwr (save 15% with code 'ride15')
Giro helmets: tinyurl.com/72svzzxp
Silca maintenance: bit.ly/47xxvzj (save 10% with code 'theride')
First Endurance nutrition: bit.ly/41SDgqq (save 20% with code 'THERIDE')
Shimano shoes & glasses: tinyurl.com/ye274tep
Feedback Sports stands & tools: bit.ly/3S9Dq8r
-
0:00 intro
1:17 what’s new
4:26 what’s continuing
5:59 what’s missing
10:59 Stetina’s Paydirt
19:34 GRX ride impressions

[@MackBXIII]

I like that you actually rode the groupset and give an in depth analysis unlike other channels that just regurgitate specs.

[@iowatts]

Im sure I’ve said this before in response to a previous video BUT these just get better and better! So conversational. I almost cracked a beer so I could enjoy a cold one with you at the end, just like we were at the finish line together. Thanks as always Ben!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks, Casey. Cheers!

[@bcm1013]

Hoping we hear more about the ADHX. Thanks for the content!

[@robpriddy2372]

Math says 48x11 on a 40c tire is just about the same as 50x11 on 25-28c road tires. There wont be much spinning out unless one is a really fast guy, or in a pack, or with a fun tailwind. I just got the non Di set of this 2x12. Putting it on a Ritchey this week. Will see you out there around boulder some day. Keep the goodness coming, love the practical application testing!

[@efraer]

Great stuff, as always. I'm looking forward to hearing about the Time ADHX 45 you're riding here. Keep up the good work. Cheers!!

[@Er1cTheRad]

This.

[@mtbkev8935]

Same

[@jonathanwoo6597]

The lack of lowering gearing means I'll have to keep my 11-speed GRX Di2 longer. Loving my setup with the 11-40 cassette. With a wider range cassette I end up shifting the FD a lot less. It's like having two 1X systems.

[@oldanslo]

Yup. I run GRX 2x (46/30) with the XTR 11-40 cassette for events on PNW logging roads. Was hoping the new 12-spd would have a 11-42 option.

[@thedownunderverse]

Definitely need a “HG” 11-40 or 11-42 cassette for a bunch of reasons.

[@Vam1500]

i'm running 11 sp GRX Di2 46/30 with 11-42 casette using a roadlink. Shifts perfectly.

[@jonathanwoo6597]

@@Vam1500 Indeed. But sadly Shimano has not made a 11-40 or 11-42 12-speed cassette.

[@WeberWoodworking]

Love the Time, looking forward to the review!

[@echtogammut]

Nice Time ADHX. I'll be honest Shimano isn't selling me on the GRX over Rival or Force. The GRX lineup has always confused me, the naming conventions and such were never clear. If I buy any SRAM it works with anything from Apex to Red in any variation without issues.

[@FasCatCoaching]

that's a LOT of buttons 😜 I still use the buttons on my computer, lol. Thanks for the read as always 🙏

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

So. Many. Buttons... Thanks for the support and all the coaching over the years. ✌

[@casparwhittey]

Really appreciate your candid thoughts Ben. Very informative, and love your format where you mix talking about the group and supporting the experience of it. Real talk

[@theAdventurousCyclist]

BTW that is a nice frame.

[@robertgaudsmith]

Thanks Ben. Another great video.

[@vegasbornmedia]

Pleasure meeting you on the spin between segments 1 & 2! Thanks for the review and congrats on the finish!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Nice to meet and ride with you. ✌

[@joaojuliomello6223]

Ben, the image in this video seems to be at a new level of quality! congratulations.

[@chrisjong8412]

You need to ask Josh for a seatpack and some bottle cages, those are the perks when your a Silca ambassador 😉

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

The Silca crew has me well taken care of! In Nevada, the Shimano crew handed me the bike decked out with all the PRO bits, which work just fine. Now that I have the bike home I gave it the full Silca spa wax treatment to prep for Unbound.

[@GHinWI]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney: hopefully Silca have a 3d-printed titanium der hanger for that bike. An aluminum hanger is like living in the dark ages.

[@austienbryandemesa5841]

absolutely distracted by that time frame, almost forgot about the groupset lmao, just superior quality and this is coming from a colnago owner. how does it ride?

[@nssomething8370]

Went from the Garmin to the Assiomas and the pedals feel like Shimanos and they DO NOT SQUEAK!!!!!! I have had them since late April and I am completely sold on them. I will not miss the crazy squeak and looseness of the Garmins.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@johnwatson5028]

Thanks for the insight! Look forward to hearing your review of the Time ADHX45. Been admiring the Time bikes online. Will you be at FoCo Fondo this year? I'll be checking off another bucket list ride there this year.

[@aleksanderbottger225]

Great bar tape job

[@n0ch91c3s]

I suspect the 1x version will coincide with xtr 12sp di2 due to the available gearing.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Yup; that's my bet, too.

[@NeoPayneHK]

OMG what a TIME frame

[@sccxvelo]

Tough call on this one. Sram has the full wireless, control center higher up out of ground strikes just in case, better gear range with options, power meter/computer, and ease of set up. Shimano has the shifting, braking, regular hg/ near universal free hub. Too bad you can not combine them both. To make a group set of both groups best parts of each.. Grx di2 is a refinement where needed using older parts to save development costs with some rebranding of other parts. Grx is behind road and MTB for development cycles from shimano. For me: 2x go with grx di2 to save rear tire clearance; 1x is sram due to gear range and overall package for cost. But for now going ratio technology sram 1x11 mechanical modifications to 1x12 mechanical disc with possible Trp hy/rd calipers as it is what I can afford as match grx or apex mechanical for less. Then one day go full electric shifting with hydro disc.

[@yumyumhungry]

When they get around to 1x I hope it releases with a di2 MTB group set and we're able to run mullets.

[@barrowsworm1226]

Thanks for the run down Ben. Compatibility with Dura Ace/Ultegra? Say, Dura Ace levers with GRX 12 Di2 derailleurs? Me, I am a dedicated 1x person, and am using the GRX 12 1x with an XTR 10-45 cassette and a SRAM RED crank with power meter (yes it is possible with the right aftermarket chainring), would love to go electronic when the 1x comes along... I prefer Shimano shifting and braking to SRAM... As to bigger gearing, I would guess that as long as ones gravel frame set is not too wide, one could fit a Dura Ace or Ultra crank, right?

[@vanwinkelhoff320]

Nice review Ben. I have a 1x specific road bike and with the 12spd clutch RD I see no reason it wouldnt work as a 1x on the road already, or will the lack of FD crash the system?

[@user-xw2cu1dn1y]

Very nice

[@GMoneyLove]

Shout out to JOM, the Gravel Cyclist cameo in the background of the debrief. Great feedback on this new set, Ben, thanks! (and the race looks like a blast too)

[@dasf89]

It's not the main point of the video, but hot damn, that TIME frame is a thing of beauty. The GRX crank however, ugh. The whole thing feels like the minimal update - add extra gear, that's it. Well, the extra button is cool, I guess.

[@GHinWI]

I love Shimano cranksets. The steel spindle leaves lots of room for bearings in the BB and the pinch bolt attachment is easy to service without needing a giant breaker bar.

[@JWH.Design]

The extra button isn't even new

[@woodsmithohio]

Nice to see the 12 speed Di2 grx option. Love the cassette range. Used with a compact crank and a couple shims makes this super viable option for full on racing.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Good point about the compact crank - that and the 52/36 are definitely the options you see folks like Pete and Alexey running to swing a bigger hammer. Just note that you're recommended to use a road FD if you use a road crank for the 2.5mm difference in chainline.

[@woodsmithohio]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney very correct. Currently running Ultegra 8100 with 50/34-11/34 cassette plus 2 mil spacing on my revolt. Perfect for me for nearly everything. I would love to have the GRX levers to use on my set up.

[@TyTy22_]

never have been the biggest fan of the GRX hoods (too small for my huge hands). guess ill get full ultegra and swap the rear derailleur and cassette. just glad 12 speed grx di2 is finally here

[@bobfoster687]

Ben looking lean!!!

[@davidparker8475]

Assioma now offers an off road/gravel pedal with power meters. The road pedals they offered for years are the go to for dependability and accuracy. Plus, they can be easily moved from bike to bike. Better option than crank power meters? Perhaps.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Yes, I have a set and have been testing them a bit, including at Unbound.

[@3TZZZ]

Nice review Ben and great to see Stetina’s race doing so well. Looks like an excellent event. ...You did well coming 13th old fella! :) ….It feels like Shimano has missed a big opportunity. Perhaps they’re still working on a fully wireless solution, given SRAMs patents, but this mild upgrade could still have been better. The vulnerability of that little derailleur wire has always been a concern, as has the lack of chainring and cassette options. A third option, say 10-38/40 cassette and / or a larger front chainrings option would make a big difference. Does Wolftooth offer chainrings for Shimano 2x? Looks like only 1x. Their goatlinks extend GRX rear derailleur capacity. Though I haven’t tried one. …An independent review of aftermarket options and alternative cassettes / cranksets compatible with GRX would be very interesting.

[@brennansquad]

OMG! My 11-speed GRX Di2 is the best groupo ever - I can't even fathom the updates. Maybe I'll see you around BoCo flexing it! Later

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

You in town pre-Unbound? Let's ride.

[@kestralrider313]

great video as usual, Ben. As someone who converted his D/A to SRAM Red more than a decade ago, some of this is new to me and I'm shocked that Shimano is adding 12 speed and that they lack so many of the most popular gravel features and options like 1X XPLR gearing, mullet setups, etc.. I see GRX on a lot of production bikes and just assumed that they made the same features that SRAM had for gravel. I will probably stick with SRAM for all my bikes, but for the benefit of the industry and my SHimano friends, I hope that SHimano invests more research and offers more options in the future. They seem to have nailed the shifting smoothness long ago and many, like you, prefer their hood shape, they seem so close to offering a market leading product, or at least equal to the Red/Eagle offerings.

[@barrowsworm1226]

The mechanical 1x GRX offers that gearing, and I am sure the 1x electronic will as well when it is released.

[@neil78]

For this amateur guy, the 48/31 with an 11-36 seems like a great option. My current 46/30 with an 11-34 spins out a bit too early. I'm loving all the changes they made from the previous Di. This may have convinced me to go wireless for my next bike. I'm assuming there is some integration with radar lights and head units with the extra buttons?

[@oatmonster]

28:21 You can also totally just upload your rides with Di2 onto AXS Web (among other places) and see the shifting stats there. The Garmin doesn't care who makes the groupset when it's recording shift data. It even shows you shift stats on the post ride summary 😅

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Good shout, thanks! I almost never look at the Garmin app - I mostly use it to auto upload elsewhere. Thanks for calling that to my attention.

[@glennoc8585]

I had grx 815 on my road bike for a while whilst waiting for a pair of ultegra shifters post covid. I copped a few comments from road purists but now I'm regretting swapping them as the lever feel was good for me. Mu only gripe was thr hoods seemed sloppy around the top

[@mtbkev8935]

Ben, How did you like riding the TIME bike?

[@StuartA1985]

Finally the groupset I've been waiting for. Soon as canyon pops it into a grail I'll upgrade. Ben you riding in the Salida76 this year?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

No plans for Salida76 this year, I'm afraid. I would love to get down there and ride and explore there, though.

[@willbarrettfurniture]

Hey, what are you using to film this one (intro particularly) looks super good

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thank you. I just put all the gear I use down in the description. Pocket Osmo 3 is the intro - just bought my second one after the first one got smashed. 😳 amzn.to/3wK4eVY The wireless mic that also works with the Action Cam 4 was the clincher for me.

[@stang3477]

Was looking for you at Gravel Locos this past weekend.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I need to get down there one of these years. It's a busy weekend with Pete's, Locos and Rule of 3. How was Locos for you?

[@stang3477]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Gravel Locos was fast and fun. It was actually my first gravel race. My wife and I are hooked. Thanks for all of your gravel content. It helped us prepare for the race. Hope to see you there next year.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

@@stang3477 ah, sweet! Glad to hear it. Fabian does a great job; that's a good entry point.

[@zachs6191]

I have been running SRAM Rival XPLR and do not like the hood ergonomics. On long gravel descents, hands get extremely tired. I really miss the feel and higher pivot point of the GRX, I think it makes a huge difference in braking on the hoods.

[@drdumbo9124]

SRAM force is much better now for this

[@zachs6191]

@@drdumbo9124 Rival AXS is the same shape/design as the new Force...

[@scotkudron9537]

Will there be any review on the 700x44 Mezcal's. How do they compare to the Maxxis Rambler?

[@jungwei2814]

The biggest problem is that at this time (2024) Shimano released the GRX Di2 FD and RD, which are almost close to the performance of the 105 Di2. However, at the price of the Ultegra Di2. The only thing that has changed is the shift lever. Maybe it would have been nice if this product had been released two years ago, but now it can only say that it was very disappointed.

[@EvidenceofaFabulousLife]

I receive all shifting data directly into the Elemnt app from my 11 speed GRX Di2 from my Bolt. Could it be the device you are recording on? Nice video, informative and to the point. I’ll stick with 11 speed. By the way, I’m running 11-42 on the rear, standard cage. Just B screw adjustment. Runs great. I prefer fully manual no auto shifting. Cheers, Tim

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

The 11spd works with computers - if you have an in-line d-fly. That can be tucked inside the bar or frame, or if you have any older one like me, secured to the outside of the frame. So you have one of those - I would guess inside the bike and out of sight.

[@EvidenceofaFabulousLife]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaneyyes I do Ben, I installed it myself, inline under the battery. Would the 12 speed work in the same manner with this fitted? Assuming yes as this is only effectively a parts swap. Cheers, Tim

[@billyblanco8106]

Musica Bueno !!! How many Stetina's were doing the ride???

[@JFomo]

Nice Time bike. Not enough videos on those bikes on youtube.

[@KoenMiseur]

Should get a DJI Ben, I've also had problems with batterylife but since I went with the new DJI I can easily film for more than an hour with 1 battery!

[@stubestrong]

we must be close to the new XTR di2 and maybe the solution for shimano gravel 1x vs SRAM

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Gotta be, right? It seems fairly straightforward for some of the forthcoming XTR parts to transfer over to GRX. But why the wait, Shimano?

[@stubestrong]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney the new XTR di2 been testing on pro's since 2022 with updates since, once its correct it'll launch under huge fanfare

[@TnFruit]

Hi Ben, what happens if you connect the rear derailleur to a 12sp Road DI2 groupset? Will it accept the shifter and front derailleur? Greets

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

12spd GRX derailleurs work with 12spd DA and Ult shifters, yes.

[@albertopoco]

eGEAR+ gives on Garmin Connect the number of times changing gear on rear and on front. I Have GRX Di2 11speed. Gives more information...

[@hank9176]

Can you pair the 12 speed di2 levers with a di2 12 speed XTR Derailleur? Do they make di2 12 speed Xtr derailleur?

[@f1hotrod527]

1x electronic won’t be niche for long. And mullet drivetrains right behind. I have used shimano products, bike stuff and fishing reels my whole life. I want to be a fanboy. But they are a step behind. Stump jumper Evo expert with axs, and now Lynskey gr pro mullet axs. Love these electric systems. Shimano is just non existent in the electronic market. Don’t exist on lower end bikes like sram axs. And don’t have the awesome road / mtn compatibility of sram. Sram just makes it so easy.

[@homerj1640]

I've been waiting for what seams like an eternity for this group set. Sadly, no 50t chain ring or smaller than 11t cog is a no go for me. I guess I'm sticking with my Ultegra a bit longer.

[@channul4887]

19:19 yeah, bike with no grease is at its happiest and the pressure washer is the best at removing grease.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Sponge bath only for your bike? 😁

[@channul4887]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney why is that a joke? Soak that bich up in foam and then handle it with garden hose - no pressure washer biznit.

[@bendardania]

I think the 1x will be wireless. The patent they filed recently shows 13 speed. I wouldn’t be surprised if they go 1x13 wireless.

[@danielrussell9416]

I don't understand dropping the 11-32 cassettes. I think 46/32 front and 11-32 rear is perfect for gravel. One of the many reasons that I will be staying on 11-speed for now.

[@jkevincarmichael253]

Ben, what bike were you riding and how did you like it...or is that story coming up?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Time ADHX 45. Taking that with different wheels and tires and some other modifications to Unbound. Stay tuned for that video.

[@jkevincarmichael253]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Figured that...hope Unbound is a great ride! You may we rode a bit in Tucson, helped you figure out a way home.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I remember, Kevin. 👍

[@terrillford7784]

Damn I need this groupset in 1x. Which one are you riding at UNBOUND

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I'll be on this bike with other wheels and maybe a couple other modifications.

[@CheeseNblood]

Any words on tyre clearence?

[@petersouthernboy6327]

I race gravel in the SE US - and SRAM AXS really got their teeth into the gravel market four years ago. What has taken Shimano so long to catch up?

[@gooorek]

And they stil haven't unveiled 1x12 without the cables

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Shimano launched GRX in 2019, so they weren't off the back then. But SRAM has clearly been on the gas since then.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Thanks, Ben. Fantastic content!

[@Timo-qb1gf]

Is the reach still longer compared to the road shifters?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Reach is still basically the same as the 11spd GRX. The top of the hood shape is a little different.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

JFC! I've been riding a bit on GRX cable-operated 1X 11-speed and getting used to it ..and enjoying the simplicity. But obviously I'm far from their target demographic so they won't be selling me anything any time soon.

[@pumpkinmeerkat3692]

the sram rep impersonation 😂

[@wasabi1m]

Work with road shimano road crankset?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Yes, it does. You are just recommended to use a road FD for the 2.5mm difference in chainline.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

SRAM brakes - 3rd out of 3. THAT's a podium? Seems like last place IMHO?

[@billybelsom6285]

Love your work, Ben, but you could have led with “no power meter” and I’d have moved on. What a miss for shimano.

[@user-xw2cu1dn1y]

What is the price of the group?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

$2,500, roughly.

[@BadTanLines]

28:32 actually sram is so awesome that the app/website will tell you exactly how many times you shifted, how long you spent in each gear…. All that stuff. You do not have to have a sram axs bike for this.

[@garagesale5948]

2x limits tire size on most gravel bikes.

[@galenkehler]

22:00 Sram brakes 3rd place out of 3 😂

[@yetiman72]

Still on the podium though.

[@BPM-xh4yu]

I hate the fat, ridged hoods on my GRX 815 11-speed. Also, GRX 2x cranks are so heavy at 700g+

[@siy01]

Massive fail on Shimano's behalf. That rear derailleur could easily take an 11-40, but because shimano has moved 12spd mountain bike components to micro spline 10 tooth this is not an option. Upfront no options for 160 / 165 cranks which are a better fit for anyone under 6ft tall, which is the majority of the worlds population. The front derailleur is a pig compared to the sleek new Ultegra/Dura Ace.

[@whizler]

Superstitious Ben, you need a lanyard on your head unit. You'll thank me later 😄

[@Imelldarisky]

No fully wireless 😂

[@pe3117]

No power meter No fully wireless No 1x12 That’s why I love my AXS XPLR 💪

[@marcdavidson3676]

Ketchup on a hotdog? Really Ben? I may have to unsubscribe for that heresy.😀