Anyone who has been keeping an eye on the cycling press in the last few weeks will have spotted that Shimano have been extremely busy. Only a couple of weeks ago they launched fully wireless Di2 versions of their XTR, XT and Deore mountain bike groupsets. Gravel riding fans must have thought they had missed out, but today Shimano have announced the launch of a new GRX Di2 1x12 groupset and this one is fully wireless too. Read on to find out more.
With Shimano’s updated MTB groupset launches stealing all the limelight recently, it seems only fair that gravel riders get to share some of the action too and with the launch of the new RX827 groupset, all our wishes seem to have come true! Just over twelve months ago Shimano launched the updated RX825 2x12 Di2 groupset, but this time it’s the turn of 1x12 and there are some dramatic changes to announce.
The biggest change with the launch of the RX827 groupset is that it’s now gone fully wireless. The wireless technology is shared across all of Shimano’s wireless 12 speed Di2 groupsets, which means you can mix and match – if you fancy a flat bar gravel bike or a drop bar monstercross, all of Shimano's wireless Di2 12 speed groupsets will now play nicely together.
The star of the show is the new RD-RX827 rear derailleur, which has a similar form and functions to its MTB cousins – a low profile wedge-shaped design, a built-in skid plate, a removeable (and protected) battery and automatic impact recovery functionality. The derailleur is offered in SGS long-cage specification only and will work with Shimano’s existing range of 10-51 12 speed microspline cassettes. Shimano say that they have removed all the sharp edges in the design meaning “it's able to glance off obstacles and handle most rock impacts when the gravel trail gets rugged.” The robust nature of the derailleur now includes durable solid pulleys to minimise debris entry, an updated chain stabiliser system (to replace the old clutch mechanism) and “wide, well-braced linkages.”
For anyone building up (or buying) a dedicated 1x12 Di2 equipped gravel bike, Shimano have created the BL-RX825-L left hand brake lever. They’ve removed the shifting mechanism used in the standard 2x12 Di2 left hand lever so you’re left with just the braking components. Weight weanies will be happy with the 19.5g weight reduction, while the rest of us can be happy with the slightly slicker-looking cockpit set-up. The shifting functionality for the right hand lever has been carried over from the 2x12 Di2 groupset and this includes the ability to programme the ‘hidden’ third button to control your bike computer or a set of compatible lights.
If you would like to find out more about the new GRX827 1x12 Di2 groupset, then head on over to Shimano’s website.