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