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.

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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
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Gear I use for shooting (not sponsored!):
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The Ride is supported in 2024 by:
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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!

[robpriddy]

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!

[bcm]

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

[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!!

[jonathanwoo]

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.

[nssomething]

Went from the Garmin to the Assiomas and the pedals feel like Shimanos and they DO NOT 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.

[WeberWoodworking]

Love the Time, looking forward to the review!

[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

[joaojuliomello]

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

[vegasbornmedia]

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

[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.

[derfx]

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.

[FasCatCoaching]

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

[TZZZ]

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.

[chrisjong]

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

[barrowsworm]

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?

[nchcs]

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

[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)

[johnwatson]

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.