Shimano GRX Mechanical 1x & 2x Long Term Review!: The best mechanical groupset for gravel?

"Following a multi-year global market study, product testing and development process, Shimano introduce the world’s first dedicated gravel component line: SHIMANO GRX. New for the 2020 model year, the SHIMANO GRX 800 series offers 1x11 and 2x11 drivetrains - with mechanical and Di2 electronic options - that allow riders to tailor their mixed surface riding experience and Explore Beyond." - Shimano

Spanning a review period of over nine months, I've been fortunate to ride and review the GRX mechanical groupset for 1x and 2x on some very nice bikes; Titici GR02, Niner RLT 9 RDO, Niner RLT 9 Alloy, Niner MCR 9 RDO, Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty and the steel Ritte Satyr. That's a lot of bikes! I've ridden them in areas ranging from the mountains of Northern California to the hinterlands of Florida and Georgia. I've also ridden and reviewed the Di2 version of GRX, which you can see linked below.

The observant types will notice, that's a Shimano Ultegra Ultegra front derailleur I demonstrate in the video... Shimano's front derailleur shifting across their entire line is that good.

Update since review appeared: The Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty in this video is running the GRX 600 series for its shift / brake levers, which are a little different from the 800 series in terms of the hoods. They are still 11-speed.

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[LoLo-qohy]

This timing is perfect, I was stuck between 1x or 2x grx for the cervelo. This covered everything I was comparing, thank you.

[offgridgaminguk]

Excellent, something to watch while I wait for the delivery man to turn up with my new gravel bike with GRX 800 :)

[jeffsparman]

As always enjoy your reviews. I'm with you on the 2X. Looking to upgrade my gravel bike this year and whatever I choose GRX 2X is a must! Keep up the great work!

[Hubertalcala]

I am currently building a GRX 1x group set on my Diverge base E5 that came with a Claris 8 speed. They are pricey but I know it’s totally worth it. Awesome review video. Be safe on your rides. Till next time. Cheers!

[gravelsasquatch]

Another great review Jom. I now have over 1500 sunny, wet, dusty and muddy miles on the Shimano GRX600 drivetrain and it has performed flawlessly! Keep the rubberside down out there.

[jamesbicknell]

Good review, I have always used SRAM 1x but had thought GRX 2x. just going onto the GRX Di2. cheers buddy.

[ericmcduffie]

MOB, I'm with you on the 2X. Thanks for the review.

[TheUplte]

I have Lynskey GR300 with GRX 1X. It put on a 40 tooth crank. I run a set of road wheels with an 11-42 and I have an 11-46 in the back. The 11-46 actually shifts a little better than the 11-42. There is a little lag in the shifting that isn't present in the 11-46. This may merely be a result of my b-screw adjustment. But as I have it set, I have a true do-all bike given the two wheelsets. That said, there are times I miss the 2X, especially on the top end of the gearing. I may move to a 2X but I'll give it at least a season. Thank you for your content!

[flexboss]

Great review as always. Never knew about the trim for the front derailleur. Very valuable.

[Mosely]

After several thousand miles on this set. I do like it. Ride a lot of gravel hundreds of miles each week. Hoods are good holds. On a Salsa Vaya .so far so good

[pe]

I have full GRX on my Specialized Turbo Creo SL and I love it 👍
For now it handles very well the extra torque of the motor

[Mr_RichardH]

Nice review, Jom. All the bases covered there.

[gurgenmakaryan]

I have both of them in my 2 gravels, grx 800 2x11 and grx 800 1x11, both are very good, 1x is better in the trails, 2x on the road, 1x is running unbelievably smoother and quiter
2x you need to tune front derailleur very carefully to enjoy it

[rmg]

2x is a no brainer. I have the grx810 mech rd and fd paired with ultegra 8000 crankset on my salsa with absolutely no complaints. Smooth and dependable through the roughest of terrain every single time.

[PathfinderGregg]

Thanks for the review! I am considering a Niner RLT 9 RDO with the mechanical GRX 2x groupset.

[houseTube]

Recently got a Diverge with GRX 2x - shifting wasn't great but thanks to your comment about not needing the clutch with 2x I went and had a look, sure enough the bike came with the clutch on; turned that bad boy off and bike is shifting great now!

[buzzboykin]

Waiting for delivery of Diverge comp 2x 800 setup. Loved your review, especially the video on running a 40 cassette. My only concern at the grand old age of 76 is walking a 31/34 vs spinning out a 48/11. For my usual everyday rides the 34 will be fine, but if I put racks on it for touring I may use your 40 trick or hope they come out with a 42 capable 2x derailleur. Many thanks for the fine videos.

[travischapman]

I installed my grx rear mech on a 105 set up and it’s great. I also didn’t have adjust after set up. No barrel adjusting, my mind was blown.

[simonbeasley]

Loving the 1 x 11 GRX gears on my new Merlin gravel bike. Ditching that front deraileur can only be a good thing!!

[antiman]

Shimano also offers a version of the left sti dedicated for a dropper post, so no need to modify a 2x lever.