Why Shimano's GRX Di2 12-speed groupset is Underwhelming

Shimano has launched its latest GRX Di2 12-speed groupset but it’s a little underwhelming. While there are some nice updates, where is the innovation that we’ve come to expect in the gravel space from the likes of SRAM and Campagnolo? Or is Shimano’s conservative approach the sensible choice? Also there are rumors of Shimano going wireless with new patents showing a new Dura-Ace could be on the cards soon.

Content
00:00 Shimano GRX Di2 launched
2:41 Shimano wireless groupset?
4:35 When would Dura-Ace wireless be announced?

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[overbikedrandonneuring]

Shimano: reliable, buttery shifting, can make FD, battery life, cassettes with wide range and many 1 tooth jumps, chainring choices in 2t increments for your riding pleasure, wider tires OK, 24mm spindle for max BB compatibility, GRX crank is a metal chunk that will win a fight against the rock it hits
Dave: entertain me

[tjadams]

Perfect, a front derailure that actually works and the ease of getting into the proper gear with out clunking and banging up a large range cassette. Thank you Shimano

[mrcapello]

integrated battery is only a pro if you want to keep the size down, I would see a non replaceable battery as a con.

[_MPP_]

I've had GRX Di2 for three years now: 2x11, 11-40 cassette with 30/46 chainrings. It's been god damn perfect for every terrain I have ridden and 100% reliable. Very large range and small steps. Very, I mean very good lever ergonomics, easily best I've ever used. Probably gonna buy spare derailleurs when the prices drop, just in case I crash or damage them somehow. It is so damn good. No need for 1 extra gear, at all.

[Avondland]

We went for a bikepacking adventure. Lots of climbing and offroad. Lots of people with modern bikes and a variety of shifting systems. A guy showed up with an old triple. He had the ‘do it all range’. No one else had. 😅

[barrowsworm]

David, I would not say Shimano lacks ambition... I ride and race gravel, and am on 1x 12 speed mechanical GRX, and it is fantastic. The 1x 12 speed Di2 is on the way, it will just be a little more of a wait. I find it funny how many people seem to think that SRAM offers more: Shimano shifting, both mechanical and electronic, is faster and smoother than SRAM (transmission is especially slow), and Shimano brakes are notably better in both power and modulation vs SRAM (with the possible exception of the new RED AXS, which apparently has improved brakes, I have not experienced that yet). Back to 1x: Shimano 1x can leverage the XTR cassettes at 10-45 and 10-52, giving a nice range of gearing options-yes, I am a little disappointed that we are going to have to wait bit longer for 1x Di2 12 speed, but as you have noted in your review, the 1x mechanical GRX 12 speed is superb.

[kippen]

The comments are great and really helpful. Thank you all so much.
Edited to add that I want this groupset. I want two gravel bikes. One at the road end of the spectrum and one at the mountain bike end of the spectrum. This groupset would be great for the bike on the road end of the spectrum. Definitely want a one by for the mountain bike end of the spectrum.

[BikeLife]

1x for gravel isn't as good as 2x. I don't see the attraction of 1x. I now have 2 bikes running 1x. SRAMs Explr 10-44 is clunky and draggy

[kestralrider]

Funny, I had the same feelings yesterday, as though Shimano didn't really want the lead in gravel. They certainly have the size and capability as a company to produce better gravel products than SRAM, but maybe it doesn't make financial sense or they have other reasons. I see in the comments below that many Shimano loyalists are offended by your honesty. I'm not here to Troll, and you have in the past been kinder and unbiased to vendors than I might have been; your comments are echoed by other reviewers. Not every release it going to be full of shock and awe, as say the first AXS 12spd, first D/A D12, or the RED release from days ago; this appears to be a modest improvement and there's nothing wrong or offensive in stating such. Keep the great content coming David! I for one am hoping that you're going to do a deep dive review on that Falcon behind you😊

[MiataBRG]

I've got SRAM AXS. I test rode axs & Di2 with price not a concern and chose SRAM. It's just more Ergonomic and intuitive.

[PrzemyslawSliwinski]

Well, some manufacturers make the equipment to be used and abused in a real world and others constantly experiment with new things (sometimes they come up with new effective designs but usually end up with blingy, costly and superficial curiosities).
I buy the former type of stuff but truly applaud the latter! Someone has to pay for the progress - at the end of the day...

[timwong]

It has crazy range, and the front mech just works. If the range is extra large and I can get smooth transitions, I should be excited.

It's funny that people pretends 1x is as continuous as a CVT transmission... but it isn't, obviously.

[francescodiprisco]

I was honestly expecting a GRX Di2 1x … so I still need to wait to update my bike !

[AkashKandarkar-yimn]

I'm new, will it fit on Triban RC 520? 2x11 speed ?

[brianschaning]

Totally agree- this group set is very underwhelming

[warwicksworkshop]

Everything points to a smaller BCD on the cranks so hopefully that translates to the 1x

[maxlloyd]

I think this groupset is just to pacify us.
GRX Di2 has been wanted for a while so they have launched it easily with current technology.
The real innovation will be be the 1X as they know demand is there.
I think it will be lauched with a brand new XT/XTR Mtb Di2 groupset.(With i am guessing some cross compatibility) which they will be finalising.
I am hoping for something special!

[thomasseymour]

2:17 argument for 1x: simplicity. Ok, so why complicate it with batteries and a motor? Seems as unnecessary as routing a brake hose through a headset bearing.

[sccxvelo]

Grx stated out one step behind the current set with mashup of road and MTB parts. So this new group parts is as expected following that process. DA or XTR will get the new wireless and extra cog first. Then process down through the road and MTB sets. Then shimano will refresh grx for version 3 in 4 to 6 years time. So sram will be dominate in the gravel/ cx/ MTB space due to better gearing range, ease of setup/ use, and now extra bits like power meters with computers.

[RookYZRM]

I don’t understand the desire for wireless. Unless you’re swapping frames regularly there’s literally zero benefit, you could even argue there are real drawbacks, reduced battery life, more batteries to charge, potentially slower shifts.