The most affordable Shimano electronics arrive for gravel

Gravel is becoming an increasingly relevant activity for brands, both for bikes and components. Shimano, aware of this, continues to enhance its specific GRX groups for this modality with the incorporation of a second option featuring electronic Di2 shifting, called RX717, which provides the maximum functionality of its gravel groups but at a much more economical price.

12 gears and electronic Di2 shifting in the new Shimano GRX RX717 group

Designed as a second tier to improve accessibility to its high-performance gravel products, Shimano's new option within its GRX groups shares characteristics with the top-of-the-line gravel model, the RX827, but at a lower cost.

This new GRX RX717, following the trend seen in Shimano's latest MTB groups, incorporates a robust design for the rear derailleur, similar to those seen in these models, and of course, it features completely wireless operation and 12 gears in its 10-51 cassette, allowing riders to tackle the most demanding gravel routes without gear development being a problem.

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For now, this new Shimano GRX RX717 is available only in a single chainring configuration, with the aforementioned cassette, derailleur, and levers that maintain the same ergonomics as its latest road and gravel groups. In fact, its lines and graphics are designed so that those who want to combine it with a Dura-Ace ST-R9270, Ultegra ST-R8170, or 105 ST-R7170 lever can do so perfectly by mounting only the left lever without buttons and with a neutral Shimano logo.

These levers, like their wireless road counterparts, are powered by CR1632 batteries that allow for a duration of between 3.5 and 4 years.

As we mentioned, the wireless rear derailleur incorporates some of the technologies we have already seen in the latest MTB groups from the Japanese brand, with its robust design optimized to withstand all kinds of impacts and harsh treatment thanks to the incorporation of solutions like Shadow ES technology, the protected battery identical to that used in the RX827 and MTB electronic groups; or the automatic recovery after impacts that allows it to easily re-engage in its original position after the electrical system is released upon receiving a hit.

Of course, it is a group fully integrated into Shimano's E-Tube ecosystem, which we can easily configure and update via its mobile app.