Shimano GRX Gravel Groupset SUPER In-Depth Review | 2× Ain’t Dead

[@bikeradar]

Have you ever ridden Shimano GRX? Would you go for 1x or 2x? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments! ⚙️

[@ili4707]

2x for me

[@detmer87]

Definitely 2x.

[@systolic410]

Built up this exact setup on my wife's Trek Checkpoint. If you're spending notable time both on and off road, 2x really seems to make the most sense.

[@feluacc]

1x

[@dlevi67]

2x - road and off-road pretty much seem to require it (or Ekar)

[@TypeVertigo]

Finally a gravel bike actually ridden with full-length fenders. Groupset review is good too. I concur, 2x is still the way to go at least for my kind of riding.

[@bikeradar]

We love fenders! Dry bottoms FTW. Thanks for watching. :-) -Matthew

[@simkomir]

@@bikeradar Yeah, they look really good. What are those fenders? SKS? Thanks for the video BTW

[@raphaeltiziani7476]

1x13 is close but with 1x14 I would have to seriously consider 1x.

[@Piplodocus]

@@bikeradar Ha! Booooo! Mudguards/fenders are a sign of weak gravel rides! 😜 I had to put my mates mudguards in my panniers recently because they'd clog up too much on some recent crazy adventures and made his bike become unrideable. A couple of those rides totally stopped my ideas I'd previously been having to buy some myself. I've decided it's now all about as much mud clearance as possible, waterproof trousers, a mac, and some army boots (too many times with ice-covered swamp water inside my mtb shoes recently) with flat pedals! You need need more "whoops, this is MTB land" rather than "fun commute" gravel riding in your life! 😁🤣 Although as it starts to dry up I might need to try some clipless-pedal army boots‽ 🧐

[@dirkbodschard3961]

Matthew, you have a really great capability in transferring information to the audience. Thank you for presenting things in such a professional way.

[@teunluijbregts2533]

Have been looking all over for this type of review on gravel groupsets - many thanks for posting this 👍👍👌

[@rwc119]

Best groupset reviews on KZbin. Keep it up!

[@zero_cool817]

I just got a Specialized Diverge with grx 400 components. It’s my first gravel bike and I really like the components. Everything works very smoothly.

[@CuriousMind_LVG]

I got full GRX 810 2X11 on my new Litespeed Watia titanium dream machine. I really wanted to hate 2X and switch to 812 but I absolutely love having the range of gears and the front shifting just works.

[@alisafa2858]

I remember how good your video comparing the Ultegra Di2 and Sram AXS Force was (even if I can't afford both). I never got bored, so interesting. And it's the same here. Hands down the best groupset reviewer!

[@russdennis206]

Appreciate the valuable information. You helped me decide to go with Giant Advance 3 with GRX 400 instead of spending additional $500 US for the Advance 2 with mix of 600 and 810

[@MrVersix]

Love my 2x 810 groupset! all of my bikes are 1x (xc- enduro-dh) except my gravel, it`s easier on long rides when you got some luggage

[@scheinheilig1]

Which crankset version 48 or 46? And why?

[@MrVersix]

@@scheinheilig1 48 because i live in a partially flat area and i have 2 sets of wheels 1 with 30x622 slick tires and a set with 35x622 offroad tires

[@travischapman6763]

@@scheinheilig1 I do a the 46/30. I live around steep terrain and pretty much never think I need a larger gear. The tires just slow you down too much along with the increased wind resistance at that speed. If you don't live pan flat, I think 46/30 is the way to go. Even if you can handle the 48, my guess is you'll regret not having the lower gear on steep climbs or longer days far more than you'll be grateful you can push a 48x11.

[@xMDNA]

This GRX review from Matthew is outstanding, from start to finish, i never stop listening. Thanks a lot for sharing with us your thoughts, the best video on grx EVER!

[@chrisclougherty1261]

Great review. Very evenhanded, quite knowledgeable, and good advice. I agree about the 10 speed being the better option in a number of ways. The double give you closer shifts and greater range, always good things.

[@walcottav]

Upgraded ten-year-old Specialized Roubaix rim brake frameset and ancient 10spd Ultegra with 11spd 105 brifters & brakes, GRX 600 2x drivetrain. Fit 30c tires on and now have an incredibly versatile multi-surface machine. Low gear is more than low enough for long hilly days and top-end suits my aging knees' needs. Really happy with Shimano's groupset cross-compatibility.

[@bikeradar]

Sounds great! Thanks for watching. :-)

[@KerenWang]

I swapped from 1x grx to 2x. Never looked back. 30/34 is plenty. And it’s so much more comfortable when fastx

[@peterkeating536]

Brilliant review just ordered Ribble car al and got them to add the grx 400 as I am a tourer who needs more range for big climbs with full load thanks

[@georgemills2302]

I’ve got my fat bike and 29er MTB both set up with drop bars and 1x11 GRX800. Swapped the callipers for MTB ones as frames were not flat mount. Also both running with MTB cranks and 11-46 Sunrace cassettes. It all works together brilliantly despite Shimano’s official line on compatibility 😊

[@travischapman6763]

Thank god for Sunrace and hacked gear ranges!

[@erich8258]

100% agree about 2x. Front derailleurs are so much better than they used to be; I think that a lot of 2x resistance is driven by memories of crappy older front derailleurs.

[@glennmarshall8146]

Thanks for the very informative report Mathew. It really does a great job of explaining to me the hierarchy of the GRX line. I have a Norco Search XR S2 with 2x RD400 drivetrain waiting for me to pick up at my LBS next week. Reinforces my decision and confidence that my choice is the right one.

[@sabamacx]

I don't think I'm alone in saying this: I hope Shimano drops the road/gravel/mtb mishmash and just makes 12 speed work with everything, with some preferred optimal combinations. It's exhausting trying to pair road shifters with anything outside of road cassettes.

[@bikeradar]

I know what you mean, but Shimano does at least make super-detailed compatibility charts unlike some brands. What I find frustrating is how conservative they are with stuff like max cog size - you can go up a couple of teeth (or more) on pretty much any Shimano rear derailleur in my experience. -Matthew

[@SiopaoSauc3]

@@bikeradar That's a lawyer thing probably. My GRX400 10spd derailleur clears a 42t cog running 1x with the stock b-screw.

[@kerbodynamicx472]

If you want 12 speed stuff, maybe try SRAM?

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

I have a Canyon Grizl 7 on order which has the RX810 set equipped. My current bike is the Trek Domane AL 2 rim brake. So to step up to disc brakes from rim and to Ultegra-level from Claris is going to be huge. Can’t wait!

[@dfrolovXIII]

finally, somebody on KZbin did this! thanks, guys!

[@backpacker3421]

I've successfully used GRX derailleurs with Ultegra R8000 levers. It works both 1x and 2x. I have a bike I reconfigure for tours vs unloaded road riding. I use 2x 11-34 for unloaded road, and 1x 11-42 for touring. I converted it to the GRX drivetrain a year ago and never swapped the levers because there was no need. Also, based on experimenting, I can say the 1x GRX RD will work and accommodate larger cassettes in a 2x configuration as long as you avoid the larger cogs when on the big front chainring. 36T works perfectly, and I can get a 38T to work cross chained, but shifting in and out is a little clunky. Anything larger, and you risk seizing up altogether. But I have successfully ridden the 2x front with the larger set up on the back, even once on a 60 mile organized ride. I just had to stay very careful not to cross chain big-big. But cross chaining is something you should always avoid anyway. That said I'd definitely not recommend using 2x with anything larger than 36T on the back. I was only doing it to see how far I could jury rig it, because if I could get a 2x 11-42 to work seamlessly... well that would be like a touring cadillac. No dice though... but I haven't missed it. 11T in the 1x gives me all the speed I need or even want when I'm loaded down with camping gear. It just means I have to wait a little longer before starting to pedal when a downhill coast turns into an uphill climb.

[@bikeradar]

Good to know. I suspect a derailleur hanger extender would get you those remaining cross-chained gears, might be good for peace of mind? -Matthew

[@fennec13]

I have a GRX setup on my Why R+: GRX 810 front crank (48/31) and GRW 810 rear derailleur, GRX600 front derailleur - and a 11-36 (yes 11 speed) cassette - Levers are 105 - but they work amazing with the rest of the GRX family. there is no section of off or on road that it can't handle - plenty of top end for on road and hard packed gravel and plenty of climb for when the gravel and dirt get rough. Its relaible smooth and just plain amazing to me. No sir 2X is certainly not dead!! and if you enjoy a 1X with huge jumps in your gears you are welcome to it.

[@michaelcameron2553]

I've just got a GT Grade Carbon with GRX 400 (FSA Chainset). Big surprise first time I tried to take off and refit the rear wheel, had great difficulty removing and found it almost impossible to refit the wheel even with the clutch disengaged. Internet search revealed that you need to have the chain at least half way along the cassette, not smallest as in road bike.

[@CaseyHowdenPhoto]

This was a really helpful review! I'm putting together a 2x set-up and this has aided my decision making greatly. Thank you :)

[@Ilovethisaccount500]

I love bike radar presenters. This was awesome, and very helpful. Thank you

[@MrSkroid101]

It all looks like good stuff but I hate how confused the hierarchy is. Theres so many weird holes and sub-options and stuff which only exists at certain tiers. I think they've covered everything, just the branding is a bit weird

[@frakafrocka]

wow you read my mind. i feel like most shimano stuff is like this. very hard to map and figure out.

[@travischapman6763]

It makes sense if you've compared the real differences between groupset tiers over the years. Often there is not much of a difference except a few grams and a name, especially with front derailleurs. This true with pricing as well. My guess is that in their mind it was simpler to only make different tiers of items which are truly different from one another rather than B.S. some reason to have 3 tiers for every component.

[@MrSkroid101]

@@travischapman6763 yeah I guess I would rather they made fewer things that were better - I think they have done a good job with choosing what exists at what tier. It could just be mapped out a bit better if you ask me

[@Leo-gt1bx]

I hate having to buy a whole new drive train to use the crank set.

[@KeithHeinrich]

A really good review. I went with 400 for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Gearing is low enough for off road and tall enough for on road. Brakes are adequate although at some point I may consider upgrading to Magura calipers. Maybe. Its been bulletproof, thoroughly reliable and really nice to use. Excellent value at the price. I quibble with the comparison to 105 and Ultegra though because there's a different rationale going on here with the compatibility for mix and match which is smart. Basically it is what it is and its quite outstanding no matter where you dive in.

[@travischapman6763]

Finally! Some cycling journalism said that Shimano FDs don't make 1x a necessity because you probably won't drop it because they know how to make one! I have a GRX RD with 105 everything else (with an FSA 46/30 crankset). I can ride faster and slower than even 12 speed 1x options and my chain doesn't come off.

[@garybrown5769]

Spot on video, my rx600 right 11s shifter shattered, I have 400 1x crank but 800 rear mech 11-42 mech, I couldn’t find a 600 lever anywhere so I’ve bought 800 pair levels and a 2x 600mcrankset, keeping my cassette and mech I’ve been able to get a 2x 30/46 chain set with a 11/42 rear , hills come at me !!!

[@TheLionEric]

I smiled when you mentioned the coat! I was thinking Matthew was looking rather different out of his cycling getup!

[@thecappy]

I have 2x 810 and it'll run an 11-40 no problem. Just tweak the B-screw

[@ivanyhtang]

Really good to know, thanks! Why might Shimano only say up to 34 teeth only?

[@ferencvarju651]

In case anyone likes to mix and mach as much as I do: I could persuade my Sora front derailleur into working with the rx600 cranks :) I can even get some trim out of it as well.

[@jarosawzon4272]

Finally a wise man who uses fenders. I also have fenders installed, even in the summer, so I have a clean drive. What I have on my mudguards, pro looking cyclists have on their faces and backs :). As far as I know, the clutch is not used to tension the chain when driving over bumps, because as a rule we always drive with the clutch engaged, whether it's on asphalt or on uneven surfaces. The clutch is used to remove the wheel. With the clutch engaged, this would be impossible.

[@joaoplacidoinnsbruck]

This guy is the greatest! Very good video! Thanks.

[@jcsrst]

I have GRX 1x, 11x42 cassette with a 40 chainring. I wish I had 2x because sometimes climbing is tough. I do love the simplicity though and haven't failed to finish a climb. Always functions properly!

[@kixigvak]

I noticed the cool coat right away! I'm curious to know where this was filmed. Excellent review, very helpful.

[@jp93309]

That “tucked in” RD makes removing the rear wheel a real PIA. Waiting for the Chainlift company to make a GRX 810 product to help with this.

[@tamasvarga67]

You have to remove the wheel backwards that’s the easiest way.

[@SiopaoSauc3]

@@tamasvarga67 backwards how? Or do you mean upside down?

[@tamasvarga67]

@@SiopaoSauc3 I also struggled with it before I figured out the way. Drop the chain on the small ring at front and back. When you remove the axle just lower the wheel a little bit so you can pull it straight back and unhook the chain from the small cog. Reverse order when you put the wheel back.

[@markowsley4954]

Love the video, it’s very informative especially talking about the lower end disc brakes. The last real bike I had was running the original dura Ace Sti with rim brakes so I’m sure any disc will feel better to me. I’ve been thinking about using grx 2x10 for a road touring bike. The ability to go to a larger tooth in the back will give me the gear inches I’m looking for.

[@DDoctoPhoto]

Thank you for giving so much info and details! You've really helped me decide on whether or not to pony up an additional 1500 for the grx800 groupset based on your opinion of whether or not you actually can feel the difference on the groupsets!

[@stevemiller9428]

Excellent and informative, thanks! I've got a 1x 600 groupset on order and at first glance it was a confusing mix (800 RD, 400 brakes etc). I found the pdf on the Shimano site helpful.

[@usman5140]

My shop has installed a grx 810 crankset on my bike with a 105 front derailleur. Shimano doesn't say they are compatible, but they are.

[@AlbaTech]

An excellent, authoritative video. Having just built a bike with a GRX 810 1x setup I would agree with your conclusions about the gearing. I can’t stand the SRAM and Campag lever actions so Shimano was the only option for me personally, but their 1x options leave them in last place. Shimano need to up their game - a 12 speed 1x setup with a decent spread of gears is needed more urgently than 12 speed road Dura Ace.

[@Samazing01]

I am pleased to announce that I have used the RX400 RD with an 11 speed 105 shifter and it was able to shift up an 11-40T XT (11 speed) cassette.

[@bikeradar]

Interesting! You mean an RX810 RD I take it? Is that a 2× setup? The precise design of your bike's hanger will be a factor here I imagine. -Matthew

[@Samazing01]

@@bikeradar Apologies, I meant the RX400 RD which was 10 speed. I had already had a hunch the 10 speed RD could work with an 11 speed shifter and shift up 11 cogs and it did so perfectly! I was also able to get the same results with a Deore M6000 RD (10 speed) and an XT 11 speed shifter and the RD could handle 11 speed cassettes.

[@unclecalifornia2576]

I appreciate the details and the very thoughtful and fair review.. it will be this group or MS sword

[@uknowbass]

Great overview. Compatability is very important when something breaks

[@kachinjsh]

GRX double chainring design looks like a triple from the side.

[@backpacker3421]

That's because the small chainring is tiny. Not much bigger than a typical granny gear on a 3x setup.

[@kachinjsh]

@@backpacker3421 to me it's more because of that extra circle inside of the big ring

[@hansschotterradler3772]

@@kachinjsh Yes, it has the appearance of a 3x crank. It looks like it has 3 individual chain rings; and frankly I think this chain set is really not good looking.

[@SiopaoSauc3]

I find that there is an appreciable difference in the effort required to make a shift with the clutch on and off. That said, I am pushing my GRX400 10spd derailleur to a 42t cog at the back running 1x.

[@DecensMagazin]

Its a detailed and correct review. Thank you! I am thinking to buy a new gravel bike, and you helped a lot in my choice. (Confirmed my idea to choose the 2x10 gears)

[@nosegrindv4951]

This is a superb video. thank you!

[@bikeradar]

Thanks for watching!

[@nickyburnell]

GRX 400 Rear mech works perfect with 11 speed (as does Tiagra 4700) as it's the same pull ratio as 11.

[@IvanMalechko]

The best review on the topic! Thanks!

[@kevinthomson6324]

Just have the bottom bracket crank set chain and hydraulic hoses to source of my upgrade to grx 810 2x. Really look it forward to the clutch and the hydraulic brakes. Coming from a gravel bike with sora and cable disk brakes I’m hoping it’s going to be as big a step up as I’m think it’s going to be. Especially at the $1200 🇨🇦 price tag in a mix of used and new parts sourced from several different sources.

[@code3xiv]

As you said, Grx 11 speed derailleur is compatible with Shimno 11 group range, and Grx 10 speed will only work with tiagra 10sp 4700 range. But i heard Tiagra 4700 is actually compatible with higher 11 speed Shimano range. Am i missing something here?

[@pchykins6680]

to summarize: Shimano GRX components are the ultimate "hybrid bike" technology :) I love mullet setups...with a little tweak, the RX 400 RD can accommodate 11-42 Deore cogs along with 28-38 Deore cranks and FD...yay! Its my ultimate cyclocross gear but on the heavy side...who cares!

[@bjcresswell]

@BikeRadar Excellent overview video, thanks! Loving my new 1x GRX 810 set up. Cannot for the life of me find out how to adjust the free stroke though!!

[@docpewpew]

I have 2 gravel bikes one with the sram apex 1 and my other one has the grx 400 I like both can't choose one over the other

[@normlaird]

excellent review! this helped me make my decision on my next purchase. thanks!

[@albertocovallero2087]

Hi, I've got a doubt. I have to decide if buy a Bianchi Impulso Grx 810 or Grx 600. Obviously grx 810 should be better, but I saw that its lowest gear is 31/34. Grx 600 instead has 30/34, that, I suppose, could be a little more useful for the climbs. And here in Italy I have got a lot of difficult climbs! Someone that maybe has tested each version of group could help me to choice? Thanks 🙏

[@Firby007]

i'm thinking about building a road bike for the city, because i like the light rolling and low weight. i live in a city without any hills, keep that in mind ;) so the plan is to get something like a road/allroad/gravel frameset, sitting a little more upright and comfortable than on a pure racer. on my old 2x8 racer i mostly use the smaller front ring (i think im more of a high cadence guy). shifting in the front for me gives me a proper gear for like 5min and then i would need to shift down again, because i had to break cause of traffic or whatever. and that means i have to shift in the back too to have a good transition between gears.... soooo i think 1x grx with an 11-28 or something in the back might be a weird option for many others, but i think it might fit my riding very well :) thanks for the review, very nice presentation, good compressed facts! you didnt metion the claimed change in brake lever action for grx. somthing about changing the pivot point. did you feel the difference to the road groupsets? and how was comfort on the grx levers vs the road ones?

[@bikeradar]

Comparing side-by-side with 105, the ergonomics and comfort are very very similar, and I can't detect a meaningful difference in lever action. I need to check, but I'm now wondering if the moved pivot point was only on the Di2 levers, Shimano was vague about this at the original launch. -Matthew

[@obscurazone]

I am in the same boat (bike!).....I live in Amsterdam, so it is flat everywhere obviously, but I also have to contend with cobbled roads as often as tarmac. A gravel bike will be the compromise I think, as I am also zooming/stopping with traffic as well as being out on cycle paths. BUT I am stuck deciding on 1x or 2x. I have a natural aversion with overly complicated technology though, so anything that makes things easier and less likely to go wrong really appeals to me - hence I am very much leaning towards 1x. My only concern (being a high cadence guy too!) is that I might find a 1x top gear too easy when I get up to speed. I am looking into the range by German brand ROSE, and they seem really well put together. This one in particular caught my eye: BACKROAD AL GRX RX810 1X11, but it has a 40 tooth front ring. I can't seem to find any 1x setup that uses a 42 ring at the front. There must be good reason I guess.

[@Firby007]

@@obscurazone you will get the 40t chainring with the grx600 crank and the 42t chainring with the grx800 crank. I can ride 40-45kph without having a too high cadence. Which is enough for the city ;) Even group rides with roadbikes is fine for me, as we don't go that fast anyway and if sprinting I can get to 55 or something. So 42 with a 11-28 cassette is perfect for me. You probably won't find that on a prebuilt, but you can easily change the cassette and adjust the derailleur.

[@Paddyhudson]

I’ve been riding 1X on my gravel bike for a couple of years now. The next bike will definitely be 2X(unless there is some really great, affordable 1x13 group)

[@Countrystock]

Will be tempted with grx on my gravel bike once the current tiagra group set needs replacing.....nice one

[@Csapi007]

I've been running GX812 oneby, 42 x 11-42 on my Tarmac, which sees 95% road usage. Over a year in, no problem at all. Never putting a front derailleur on my bike again!

[@obscurazone]

Hi! This is good to hear, as I am desperately trying to convince myself that I don't need or want a 2X. I have a slightly annoying use case, as I live in Amsterdam....so it is FLAT, almost everywhere, but then we have many sections of cobbled roads etc. so I've always thought a gravel bike would make more sense. However, I am now stuck deciding on a 1x or 2x! I really do not like having to deal with kit going wrong in the field so to speak, so a 1x would really suit me more from an ease of use point of view, but what concerns me a bit (as I am riding a lot of flat areas, mostly on road) is that a 1x is not going to have a decent top gear consistent speed. You say you are running a 42 front cog? Did you fit this yourself? Every bike I have seen with a 1x setup, using the GRX crank, only has the 40 cog on it.......I am just wondering if tried a 40 front cog, but swapped it for a 42??

[@m1les7]

Good vid! What the difference between the rx400 and the 800? I’ve got the 810 groupset, but would like to add an 11-36 cassette instead of the 11-34, I don’t understand why the 800 rear mech would take 2 more teeth? And perhaps would an inner front rx600 30 ring fit my 800 instead of the 31 inner ring? 🙈🙈

[@VeselenyiVlado]

My girlfriend rides it as well, I fitted her with 42 tooth on 2x setup, i didnt know that the 42 should be just for 1x and to be hones i bought it to be able to do 2x 11-42, and if worked win no issues what so ever

[@m1les7]

@@VeselenyiVlado that’s great to know, thank you, so I guess 11-36 will be fine!

[@RideCJH]

Great video, excellent explanation, makes techy stuff interesting. Will take your advice and go for 2x GRX 600/810 for my Dolan gravel / adventure bike. Thanks!

[@Mr_RichardH]

I'm running 2x GRX on my Trek Checkpoint. Very similar 400, 600 and 810 mix. The shifting is superb - light, crisp, reliable - in all conditions. The brakes develop occasional mid-ride rub pretty much every time I use the bike, particularly after hard braking. This tends to subside after a couple of minutes, which would suggest sticky pistons but giving them a thorough cleaning with mineral oil didn't help. Overall, it's a small problem on a really good groupset.

[@RicoLee830104]

Your mid-ride brake rub is most likely due to rotor wrapping, itself a result of rotor overheat after hard braking. The rotor will run true once it cools down (thus brake rub subsides after a couple of minutes)

[@zer0534]

Looks great but can't get hold of a grx groupset anywhere in the uk at the moment

[@ahfattjagayou9266]

Riding a GRX400 now, it definitely a good value for mix and match compare to others. Shifter hand feel better than my Tiagra Groupset. I like it very much.

[@Leo-gt1bx]

But the damn crankset weighs a ton. And was also not made in a 48/32 like other brands.

[@nickporter3531]

34 cassette is not really low enough to haul big loads. Add a wolf tooth 10 speed goat link and you can easily run an 11/40 or 42. Not sure why Shimano have gone so high on the official gearing?

[@RicoLee830104]

Shimano is conservative on its official spec of product, you can run bigger cassette than what is officially sanctioned. Mating a SRAM PG-1170 11-36 speed when running 2x is certainly possible, can accept 11-40t if you dare

[@garyosullivan5759]

Excellent video. Great practical, technical help and nice too see someone actually use logic & recommend 2x. Nice jacket too What type of mudguards are they? Portland?

[@bikeradar]

Yep! PDW Full Metal Fenders. :-) -Matthew

[@garyosullivan5759]

@@bikeradar A class act all round!

[@charliehoy6336]

Thanks for making this video!

[@edalbagem]

I use a tiagra front derailleur and that works just fine with my grx 46-30 2-by crank.

[@kccabrera11]

Can I run the GRX on a road bike frame (canyon ultimate/endurace, tarmac, supersix) without modifying anything?

[@andymuller5824]

Good Video, i drive 2x ( GRX400) it is good and cheap, Thanks for this Review, 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

[@scheinheilig1]

Love 2x on my Gravel Bike and 1x on my MTBs. Will move to GRX but unsure about 48/31 or 46/30???

[@travischapman6763]

I do a the 46/30. I live around steep terrain and pretty much never think I need a larger gear. The tires just slow you down too much along with the increased wind resistance at that speed. If you don't live pan flat, I think 46/30 is the way to go. Even if you can handle the 48, my guess is you'll regret not having the lower gear on steep climbs or longer days far more than you'll be grateful you can push a 48x11.

[@djscars572]

Thanks for the video, I’m led to believe the pivot points on brake levers on GRX are higher giving better pressure with one finger breaking? Also I thought it was only the Di2 that has the Servo Wave tech on brakes when I did some research on their website, just higher pivot points on levers, ? Do you find the ice tech rotors better for eliminating any squeal and, can you fit a 50/34 on front with GRX or is it max 48, thanks Derek

[@bikeradar]

Shimano was a bit vague about this at the original launch. RX810 and the Di2 levers definitely have Servo Wave. As to the pivot point, I thought this was the case too, but comparing RX600 side by side with 105 I could not detect this. I'm wondering if that was only on the Di2 levers? Re the FD, officially it's max 48, but it's highly likely a 50t would work. However, the chainline will be wrong if you use a road crank. I haven't done a back-to-back to compare rotors. I've yet to ride discs that didn't make a racket in the wet... -Matthew

[@thomasjousse2427]

@@bikeradar Only the Di2 version has the higher pivot point, which is a bit of a shame really but hey, cannot do much about it. What do you think about the GRX Di2 ergonomy? According to Gravel Cyclist, there simply is nothing better atm by a long shot.

[@djscars572]

@@thomasjousse2427 I wonder if the upturn on hoods in Di2 to stop hands slipping off on bumps may allow for higher pivot point on Di2? When I looked at back to back pics on leavers ultegra and GRX810 it did look like the pin was further back and higher , but it could have been angle of pics I suppose. Yes the hoods on GRX Di2 felt very good and more room for bigger hands, the shorter levers felt good as well, just in store I tried them running it round shop back to back

[@djscars572]

@@bikeradar thanks for the info Matthew , much appreciated

[@nickisauer9626]

Very good in depth review.

[@marxcellus26ify]

Planning to assemble 1x11s gravel bike. I have grx800 crankset and a grx812 RD. Can I use a grx 400 brakeset?

[@agemontana5072]

I would like to do a GRX groupset on my TREK 920 any tips on which version i should go with? My set up is a 42, 28on front and a 36tooth rear

[@paulmoore1875]

Thank you very much for this piece on GRX. This was extremely helpful to me. I am in the process of changing my SORA 2bi to something with a bit more option on my Touring/gravel/road bike. I have a 40t cassette in rear and am wondering if the GRX400 2bi would be compatible with this large cassette or will I have to change to a 36tooth? Figure I’d throw this question out their to you. Thanks again

[@bikeradar]

Officially, that won't work. Unofficially, it might. If it doesn't, an aftermarket hanger extender could be the solution for you? -Matthew

[@KevMayuga]

Thanks for the details! Love the coat 👍🏻

[@mrt3181]

and how about longevity of the chain and cassete ? Gravels suppose to eat a log of km/miles

[@metinanilaydin]

Do you knoıw is GRX 810 back and front derailleur with grx 600 krank set is compitible with 52-36 gear

[@crypto_que]

I was good, have very little tolerance for hydro disc. Gonna skip this. Bike tires don’t offer enough traction to make use of that much braking force. It’s a weird flex, how are they going to upgrade that? How much better are brakes going to get?

[@lookinforanick]

"and then of course you can look at the aftermarket... running much smaller chainrings" Could you list some options, because I looked around and haven't found any that is compatible with the GRX bcd and goes lower than 30t. Also, two things are a bit unclear to me after this video. Are 600 and 810 chainrings cross compatible with the others crank arms? Can 810 calipers be paired with 600 levers?

[@bikeradar]

I meant aftermarket cranks I'm afraid, not chainrings to fit the Shimano ones. Thanks for watching! -Matthew

[@htonmusic]

@10:20 you mention 11 speed compatible with road levers yet on screen thats an rs505 i dont think that is compatible with grx due to disc brake fluid pressure

[@anderse7039]

What is this ominous "inches" thing that he is talking about around 13:15? Something from a distant past maybe?

[@arndtbc]

My gravel bike came with a mix of 105 and Ultegra group sets, Do think there is still advantage if you don't do much technical riding, mostly on tow paths and aggregate to going over to a GRX drive train?

[@bikeradar]

If you're happy with your road stuff, I wouldn't bother changing. The main advantage of GRX is its gearing options, and then there are features like the clutch. It's not a night and day difference from the road stuff, however. Thanks for watching! -Matthew

[@LeesChannel]

Those inline brakes would be cool if you could configure them to be at the end of timetrial bars 😎🚵‍♂️💨

[@nabilamali6726]

Is it possible to slap a narrow wide and make it a 1by

[@LegSpinna]

What mudguards are they? I'm beginning to think mudguards are the future through the winter months. It happens to us all.

[@bikeradar]

They are Portland Design Works Full Metal Fenders. Thanks for watching!

[@MrAnon-2024]

@@bikeradar mudguards!

[@travischapman6763]

Give them a try. Once you get past the roadie stigma, it's hard to imagine not having them for muckier days. To think I used to tolerate crap all over myself and my bike!?!

[@bikeradar]

@@MrAnon-2024 that's literally the name of the product! In any case we use both terms as we have an international audience. Cheers!

[@MrAnon-2024]

@@bikeradar Mudguards.

[@bennetthasty7886]

Just bought the 2x Canyon Grail AL7!!!

[@dcv9460]

Awesome review 👍

[@henryalfaro9125]

I’m just happy for host it looks like he gained some weight!!

[@ryanherrera9171]

Great break down!

[@trevorwild195]

Best info for GRX group set!

[@ek8507]

matthew, you mentioned the cranks having a slightly wider chainline, which would then require a grx 2x specific front derailleur. Wouldnt the meager 2.5mm difference be something you can adjust via limit screws, or did i miss something in the last few years?

[@bikeradar]

I haven't tried it so can't say for sure, but I suspect you'd struggle to get an acceptable adjustment from a road FD - 2.5mm is quite a lot in derailleur terms. Cheers! -Matthew

[@Jalfred92]

I have setup a bike with a GRX crankset and a 105 FD just fine.

[@bikeradar]

@@Jalfred92 Good to know!

[@markh9194]

I can confirm 105 FD works with grx 31/48 crankset, been running it for 6 months with no issues whatsoever. LBS set it up so can't comment on how much adjustment was needed but they informed me it was a common mix.

[@Csapi007]

Great video, but I wouldn't call it a review. Most of it is reading the specs. The actual experience of the groupset from the video could be summed up in 5 sentences.

[@adanielweaver]

I just can't get over the break lever moving sideways on Shimano. Sram and Campy are better for that alone for me

[@matthewsantos2420]

hi, what adapter did you use for the front derailleur?