Shimano GRX Di2 gravel groupset review - suuuuuperb!

[@JustRideAdelaide]

I got some extra credit content for the ultra nerds! Here's a full article about the Facing process I mentioned in this video. I've been planning to make a video about it for a while but... life... Check it out: www.lavelocita.cc/guides-page/facing-bike-frames-why-its-important-and-why-almost-nobody-does-it

[@EditioCastigata]

🧡🧡🧡

[@cannon1156]

I think you will find that it can take a 46t. Shimano is ultra conservative because the fear you will shift big chainring and big cassette. There are lots of videos of people using the 2 x GRX which has a 34t maximum and they are using a 46t cassette. I think you will find the 1 x will be the same

[@cristicalaidgioglu6458]

The GRX 1X works with 11-46, no problems. I did a few rides in the mountains with plenty time on 46t, flawless.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Woah! Gamechanger! Ok ok, I've been working on the understanding that it was inherently not possible because of how the derailleur has been designed. I'm fascinated to know how you did it. Just whacked it on? Did you need to fiddle with the B limit much?

[@cristicalaidgioglu6458]

@@JustRideAdelaide To be clear I'm using RD-RX817 rear mech. Just whacked it on, yeah. I adjusted the B screw so I have enough clearance and there is still ~5mm of thread left, which is plenty. I was running 42T chain ring and switched it to 42T oval from wolftooth. With this ratio I can tackle loose climbs of 15+% with confidence. Btw, I'm pretty sure 11-46 won't work with a 2x transmission.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

@@cristicalaidgioglu6458 Heck! Nicely done!

[@redseamole]

thanks for this important info on 11-46. im starting to build my moots. question: what grx di2 model is the 1x STI? im confused with 815 v 817 thanks.

[@cristicalaidgioglu6458]

@@redseamole there is no 817 sti lever RD-RX817 rear mech, ST-RX815-R right STI lever 11x, ST-RX815-L left STI lever 2x(maybe you'll go 2x sometime in the future) ✌

[@jamesbicknell4706]

As always a good clear review, the clutch issue is interesting not what you would expect for the price bracket. :-)

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Cheers mate!

[@Incaensio]

Maybe I'll buy a set of those levers and put them on my road bike...

[@mlegrand]

At this point would you buy SRAM or this GRX if you need a full new group set?

[@JustRideAdelaide]

If it were my money I'd buy GRX mechanical. I only have fancy expensive stuff to review because I get sent it! When I spend, I tend to keep it fairly modest.

[@brianwoods2998]

It's been over two years since you made this video, and for my riding, and most weekend worriers, this GRX di2 looks a better option than the new 105 di2.

[@thedownunderverse]

Why do u reckon it’s better than 105 di2?

[@dominiquedeclerck7222]

How can you connect the grx di2 to the e-tube app. Anyone thoughts?

[@kevwells]

I love my GRX 2 by. Seems odd to have that Bossi (road orientated) with a 1 by. I like it had no issues apart from an issial issue.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

The Bossi is an interesting crossover between endurance road bike at the front and gravel bike at the rear. Certainly a gravel bike though with its geometry and frame clearance.

[@MrSzwarz]

In Europe it costs 1/3 of Australan price, both 2 x 11 or 1 x 11 groupset. I don't get why so c;ose to Japan this Shimano Di2 is so expensinve down under...

[@JustRideAdelaide]

There's quite a lot of reasons unfortunately. Australia's an expensive place for everything; rent, utilities, wages, petrol, food etc so basic business costs are high. Then there's regional price setting, which Australia tends to get fairly high because of its individual wealth. Then there's our distributor model. Because we're a small market a lot of brands work through local distributors which adds on another level of expense. It can be a tough place to have expensive hobbies!

[@briantravis1851]

great timing, I just built up my new Diverge GRX Di2 this morning. You mentioned the D Fly unit is needed? Would you need to swap out the battery as well for your Di2 to talk to your Garmin or Wahoo?

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Yo Brian, no new battery needed for the D-fly as far as I know.

[@MrTheSkiper]

I have Shimano GRX Di2 2by system. If I buy for 1by new cassete, rear derailleur and crankarm can I convert to 1by. Can my GRX 2by shifters be used for 1by? Do I need anything else?

[@Richardwhite02]

Wolf tooth link to increase that 42t up to 46

[@roneysilveira7606]

Thanks for the video. I just install GRX Di2 on my ORBEA Gain M30 Gravel bike with rear MAHLE assist motor. I do have front derralier, that I love making shifting very precise and enought gears for all terrain. My front gears are SHIMANO 105 by 50/34 that’s perfect, but SHIMANO configurador does not allow to choose it, only allow others configurations on the front derralier. Any tip ?

[@LarryRichelli]

I sure wish someone would do a video on upgrading to GRX Di2 if you already have GRX 600 x1 groupset on a newer gravel bike. Do you think I could just buy the Di2 derailleur and shifter?

[@AydinProductionsLtd]

So if I wnated to upgrade my Sora components on my bike is it worth it getting the 600 series stuff.I want to go one by like my XT 12 speed mountain bike. Thoughts?

[@mihalis1010]

The SRAM Apex 1x group set I have has a 42 tooth chainring and 46 tooth easy gear in the back. That group set cost me like, $500. I wonder why shimano didn’t give that option in a group set where a single lever costs as much as my group set.

[@playmoreguitar5393]

At the price I would expect nothing less. Now is there a GRX for 99.9% of us? Nope :(

[@wss327]

Great review. Perfect timing for me as I’m collecting parts for my gravel build in July. I was going to go with the Ekar because I love my SR EPS hoods and how it works. But no Ekar EPS so I’ll do the GRX with a Classified Power Shift hub and probable an Ultegra crank because I need a 48T 165… TBD. I’m very glad you find the GRX hoods comfortable! Thanks again for the great review!

[@Fixin-To]

Thanks mate, I think you convinced me to go 2x. Love the 1x look and less aesthetic fuss but for a 70% commuter, 20% off road and 10% kiddie trailer hauler, it may be impractical

[@RonnRider]

Thanks for the great review mate! I have the 2x di2 version and it is absolute perfection. Wasn't sure about using a front derailleur on a gravel bike but it shifts perfectly every time. By the way, Im planning on buying the Bossi Ti frame real soon also so thanks for your review on that too.

[@htonmusic]

im running 2x (46/30) with 11-40 at the back

[@IvanMalechko]

I have wireless earplugs for the last 5 years. Sram makes wireless transmission for about the same time. In 2020 Shimano still doesn’t know how to make it work without those annoying wires.

[@Joiedevivredesilives]

I tried 1× but glad I went 2×

[@dpstrial]

Yes, I ride 2x on my CX bike with a 48/31 and an 11-32 and the ratios are perfect.

[@AydinProductionsLtd]

Is 1x not good on a gravel bike ? I'm not liking my Sorax2and want to go 1 xlike my MTB XT 12 speed setup

[@Joiedevivredesilives]

@@AydinProductionsLtd i didnt like it as the ratio jumps are larger and you dont know how large. I just preferred the 2× as its smoother and allows for cross surface riding i ride dirt,tarmac and touring

[@rhyswilliams695]

Thanks for the insight. I’m setting up a GRX 1x11 at the moment. I chose mechanical for simplicity/weight- but do love the Di2 on my roadie. I use the lever toggle buttons for scrolling through Garmin screens. Looking forward to the GRX experience.

[@markallenbarrameda403]

hi, im using a grx 1x non di2, can i only buy a grx di2 shifter and grx rd? to use the di2

[@bennylok6087]

So when the GRX shifter use on regular road handlebar does it the ergonomic still as good as you describe? BTW, good review. Can u do a video how u take care/cleaning of your Ti frame after dirty ride?

[@vincem5]

XT Deore clutched deraileur does the same. Ie clutch lever getting stuck behind the body.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

iiiiiiinteresting, thanks for that feedback. This is the first Shimano clutched derailleur I've had for more than a few days so I don't have a lot of experience, especially in MTB.

[@mikicastan]

I have 2 di2 RD-xt and xtr. Didn’t notice that

[@vincem5]

@@JustRideAdelaide no worries. i have the XT Deore Di2 on the gravel bike and the mechanical on the MTB. it definitely happens on the gravel bike but cant recall if the MTB does it.. rarely ride it also.

[@danielwro1]

Hello everybody.. just wanted to ask as I consider to buy a grx 1x set for my bike... Does it really make sense to pay extra for DI2 in such case? I can imagine how much work it does in case of 2x gears ( auto trims, etc) but just having 1x is it not overkill?

[@JustRideAdelaide]

I think all electronic drivetrains are overkill realistically. If I were buying a bike, or building one from scratch, I'd go mechanical for sure. That's without even riding GRX mechanical. I just trust Shimano to do great mechanical shifting.

[@rocksandwoks]

Best review of GRX I’ve seen.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Very kind of you Dirk 😁🤝

[@aguaterra6951]

Ey lovely reviews you make and really content, I got my grx di2 now and gabaruk cage also amazing tip thanks a lot , but would it be to much to ask you a just a videoclip about that situation the derrailur clutch I would like to take it to my mechanic and ask him to do the same, this would be really helpful 😊 , thanks really a lot your Chanel is great 👍🏽

[@thedownunderverse]

Do you have the same issue with the clutch switch though? I havn’t seen this reported elsewhere and thought it may have been either a problem with his unit or fixed with a rolling change.

[@micun4756]

“GD derailleur hanger”. Really?

[@BlairAltman]

The tension on Shimano clutches can be adjusted. I found my Ultegra RX Di2 derailleur was a bit slower to shift than I wanted so I dropped the tension a bit and it improved the shifting. Might be worth a try if you think yours is a bit stiff.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Haha yeah, right before I complained that it was too tight I explained how I had to tighten it up from out-of-the box because it was too loose. I'd rather a little more friction that the chain trying to eat the frame!

[@mgoo1713]

You do know the Shimano clutch is adjustable? On my hardtail I use the clutch with a very low setting, but it still adds a tension..

[@JustRideAdelaide]

I talked specifically about the adjustable tension in the video.

[@Pazalino]

Nice vid👍

[@alfonsolizarazo9806]

You can go up to 46T by simply buying the long plates for the derailleur

[@0321recon]

Alfonso what are the long plates?

[@bogusjimmy]

You should give that 11-46 cassette a crack and report back! I definitely agree that the specced max range is limited, and I’ve pushed my SRAM Rival 1x to 10-46 with no issues except availability of cassettes in these Rona times. Also, the slo-mo shots are lovely.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

The smart money is on the derailleur not being able to handle a 46t. Its design looks very unlikely to wrap so far around a big chonker cassette. I reckon Shimano has set a true maximum capacity here.

[@bogusjimmy]

Ride Adelaide that’s very disappointing. Even running a 46T my Rival 1 B Screw has plenty of engagement left

[@TheCrossroads09]

I want electronic for a gravel bikepacking bike but if anything stops working what do you do 100kms from nowhere?

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Single speed yourself to safety I guess! I don't really see electronic as more of a liability than mechanical. I've not had any derailleur fail on me because I take good care of my equipment.

[@hugoyoung4890]

James ran di2 for Indipac, at this point di2 is a mature product anyway.

[@lechprotean]

grab a spare battery - that's why 2x make more sense for ultra distances as you can simply swap the batteries round.

[@Mowikan]

About protection of the derailleur: what happend to the old style protectors 😁

[@MaplePanda04]

That completely defeats the purpose of having a sacrificial hanger

[@airtaiH2]

Stay Free!

[@Swoonorama]

Great review! I own a 1x mechanical GRX groupset for around 1000 km. I didn't have the problems with the clutch lever, but found that the clutch tension to be too extreme for overall gravel riding (shifting under load are single tracks would sometimes come delayed). With the clutch off, it had the same tension as SRAM Force/Rival derailleur, which led me to turn it off (even at single trails). I saw that you did the same?

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Cheers Shibui! I've still left the clutch on all the time to keep the chain under a little more control. Does the clutch switch wiggle around like the one in this video does? Just curious to see what other user experiences have been, especially given yours is mechanical.

[@Swoonorama]

@@JustRideAdelaide not at all! The clutch lever feels solid and does not wiggle sideways as yours does...it is a real shame that it happened to yours! I do agree with the 1x gearing options, as I wished that they would at least allow a bigger cassette or a smaller chainring in the front so that you have a larger range of gear ratio (I quite like that as I prefer riding gnarly mtb trails though). What I did was to switch the cassette to a SRAM 1195 10-42 cassette. I am not sure if you can squeeze a larger cassette, as dialing in the 42t wasn't that easy tbh. To get a lower gearing, I will either switch my 40t to a 38t (garbaruk oval) or get a xtr crankset with 36t chainring!

[@JustRideAdelaide]

@@Swoonorama Hmmm, yes I think that chainring tinkering is the only option for getting a bigger range. Having a look at the design with my mechanic wizard he pointed out that it's unlikely the 46t cassette will fit because of how the cage has been designed. Good to hear your clutch isn't wiggly though!

[@Swoonorama]

@@JustRideAdelaide yes! There is no way in squeezing a bigger cassette! You can change the derailleur arm (check out the grx one from garbaruk), which allows you to use a 10/11-46/50 cassette! www.garbaruk.com/rear-derailleur-cage-for-shimano-grx-11-speed.html

[@antuand2806]

Hi, how can i contact you ? I have an issue with my grx groupset and cannot find any solution ... thanks

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Hey mate, you can just drop it into a comment. Not sure how much I can help beyond recommending you go to your dealer!

[@antuand2806]

Ride Adelaide, meanwhile the solution was found ! Hopefully because there is not so much official dealers in Bolivia ... 😅 thanks

[@JustRideAdelaide]

@@antuand2806 C'mon now I'm curious!

[@antuand2806]

@@JustRideAdelaide The cassette wasn't so well adjusted. That was the source of the noise ! Best

[@alanhill7965]

What a great review !

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Cheers again Alan 😁🤝

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

Your comments 8:40 about re-inventing the entire groupset are heart felt here. What SRAM did when they came out with AXS really pissed me off to the point that I won't buy another SRAM part as long as I can ride a bike. This video was superbly done and you deserve a thumbs up for that.

[@roneysilveira7606]

👍👏🏻

[@dylannewton76]

Think I’ll just buy a full bike with sram hydro force group for the same price as a dodgy clutch shimano 1X group on its own. Great tech but a waste of cash considering it just changes gears and slows you down.