New Shimano electronic groupset for gravel: GRX DI2 2x12

Last summer Shimano updated its top-of-the-line gravel group to incorporate the 12 sprockets, now, the long-awaited Di2 version also arrives in a group that will be called Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 and in which the brand incorporates all the improvements that we already saw in the GRX RX820 plus the total precision and excellent operation of its Di2 drive system. A launch that the brand has taken advantage of to release some gravel pedals in line with the design of the rest of the group.

Shimano puts its GRX gravel groupset on par with its competitors

Shimano finally settles its outstanding debt with its gravel groups, which, let's not forget, until the end of last summer were still at 11 speeds. However, they were still one step behind their rivals, especially SRAM, as they did not yet have a 12-speed group with electronic shifting for those more demanding gravel riders. This debt is resolved with the launch of this Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 with which the brand offers a top-notch group for those seeking the highest performance also on their gravel bike.

In this new Shimano GRX RX825 Di2, we find the design innovations that we already saw in the GRX820 and the latest generation of Di2 which, like in electronically operated road groups, has wireless transmission from the shifters to the derailleurs, which remain wired to each other to be powered by the same battery located inside the frame.

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Ergonomics is one of the main strengths of this Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 which, like in the mechanical version, has very elaborate and optimized shifters for gravel riding, especially in terms of achieving the best integration when mounting them on handlebars with a lot of flare as is common in this specialty. In addition, the shifter hoods have a non-slip texture to prevent our hand from slipping when riding in challenging areas.

Like their road counterparts, these new shifters have the usual two buttons for shifting up and down gears or chainrings and a third button on the inside. All of them can be programmed to our liking using the E-Tube Project app. These shifters operate with CR1632 type batteries that offer a lifespan of between three and a half to four years.

Continuing the tour of this Shimano GRX RX825 Di2, we come to its rear derailleur, which includes Shadow RD+ technology to maintain chain tension and prevent both chain slap and the chain from coming off due to terrain irregularities. A system that, like with other groups that use this technology, can be deactivated by actuating the lever on the derailleur, for example, to easily remove the wheel in case of a flat tire.

As with current Di2 road groups, it becomes the brain of the system, including the charging port for the battery as well as integrating the D-Fly to enable communication via Bluetooth with the E-Tube Project app on our mobile phone. It also has a small button that allows us to put it in adjustment mode to make the necessary adjustments.

Less flashy, especially in a specialty like gravel where many opt for a single chainring, is the front derailleur. In its case, the main technical detail to highlight is its design adapted to a chain line 2.5 mm wider following the trends of bike manufacturers, which allows them to have larger tire clearances without the risk of the derailleur coming into contact with the tire.

We do not mention the rest of the components, which are exactly the same as we already knew in August of last year when the RX820 and RX610 were launched, with 11-34 and 11-36 cassettes that can be combined with 48/31 or 46/30 cranks

Shimano GRX RX825 Di2: Specifications

ST-RX825 Shifters

• Wireless connectivity
• Improved ergonomics
• Non-slip hoods
• CR1632 batteries
• 415 grams

RD-RX825 Rear Derailleur

• Shadow RD+
• Integrated D-Fly for Bluetooth, ANT+ connectivity
• Compatible with 11-34 and 11-36 cassettes
• 310 grams

FD-RX825 Front Derailleur

• Chain line 2.5 mm wider
• Allows for larger tire clearance
• 142 grams