Thanks for the review and for covering all the options. I'm happy to see Shimano continue to pay more attention to ergonomics. I'm comparing the SRAM Force eTap AXS and GRX Di2. The limited options for 2X gearing on the SRAM is making the decision for me. I do wish Shimano would go wireless and maybe some carbon cranks while they'r at it.
sabamacx I’m surprised they didn’t include that. But I guess it’s reserved for 12 speed. EDIT: But I think the cassettes and chains are just from the road groups, so it makes sense.
I think it's good Shimano has a seperate groupset for gravel rides. Anytime I've seen hybrid bikes or components, there's usually compromises to the rider. Keeping the groupsets separate will let Shimano keep the road specific drivetrain lighter and the gravel groupset more adapted to the trail riding.
Just spec'd GRX 600 mechanical for a new all-purpose frameset for the utility, sub-compact gearing and versatility across the groupset. Always a big fan of 105, so this ticks all the value/form/function boxes. WTG Shimano.
Who ever built this bike did a poor job with the cables/wiring. A pro build from a master mechanic could have had that thing cleaned up and wiring dialed. 🔧
It's a loaner bike from Shimano most likely. The handlebars will be raised and lowered depending on who is riding it. It wouldn't be practical to have the cables cleaned up to fit one height.
Thanks for thoughtful review - while Shimano call this their 'gravel' system it has attractions to me for my 'all-road' bike where my cycling is a mix of pavement and trails: ~ fully agree re 'needing' WU111 bluetooth unit to get most out of Di2 (especially if you have a garmin unit), I guess it is a fear of headline pricing that means mostly it is left out of standard spec bikes ~ the 48/31 front crank option is attractive to this senior citizen as it gives an extra gear for the hills ~ intrigued by the brake levers being better for smaller hands, may be of interest for my wife (as may sub-brake levers on top, but then with her narrow bar space may really become an issue) I have used Ultegra 6870 (Di2/hydraulic) since early 2017 - while I am sure mechanical system is fine, Di2 has been a revelation and has operated faultlessly for me
Cables have been long in the tooth, but the Di2 will eventually go wireless. But what annoys Me more about the GRX - is the measly 11-speed transmission and the ridiculous weight of the system: it's roughly ca. 500grams heavier than a comparable Shimano's own road groupset. The Norco Search XR 2020 I have on preorder, is forecast to come with a GRX 810 groupset and a dropper post (and wide gravel-specific Easton wheels and tubeless knobby tractor tyres). I'd much rather that it came with a carbon suspension seatpost instead, a 12 or 13 -speed groupset (Sram or Rotor), light aero carbon wheels - and light, fast-rolling tubeless slicks instead.
Why always spend most time talking about the Di2 option when so few people actually buy this. You should have covered the 800 and 600 mechanical more thoroughly since that is what people will buy. The nice servo breaking is not on those. How much of a difference that makes ? How is the mechanical lever feel and shape since they are different ? Please write reviews for the readers not the manufacturers.
I've got GRX 600 on my new Orro Terra C. The lever design is really comfortable; big and chunky but shaped so can keep a good grip. Brakes engage with relatively little lever pull compared to my SRAM Rival discs. Gears and levers are smooth and light to operate. Overall really well made, feels like a premium product. Big step up from my SRAM road discs.
Perhaps you and your local riders are on mechanical but then Derek and his pals somewhere else are all on Di2. He's made a good review, just not for you this time (unless you want to treat yourself to electronic).
@@xxiipp My road bike is Di2 already. Love it. But my gravel bike is not. My point is a tiny tiny fraction of gravel bikes use Di2 making the review far less relevant than it should be. It would not have been hard to cover both mechanical and Di2 in the same review.
Would someone bother explaining how, however, people with Di2 mostly hang out with people with Di2, and people with mecanical groupsets never end up riding with a significant amount of them? Is it perhaps because they hardly ever ride their bikes or is it a sort of a "I'm too rich to ride with poor people with mechanical groupsets and rim brakes" kind of deal?
I love the top bar brake levers and buttons, I was wondering why top bar brakes went out of style from yesteryears because I had to put top bar brakes for my daughter as she likes to use top bar position the best... I would definitely consider getting these groupset on my next bike, probably mechanical version for cost benefits...
Howie Choi If you’ve got cable brakes, they’re a pretty easy install. Before now, you just couldn’t have them with hydraulic brakes, which is why you didn’t see them as often I suppose.
Good review I ended up buying a used one and i love it :) I saw that you guys fitted a dropper post to it would like to fit one to mine that would bring alot more enjoyment when descending ! How did you manage the dropper install with the di2 battery in the seatpost ? Thanks !
I think you can do it diy with cervo motors with normal rear derailleur... And lot of coding... Probably we can do auto shifting on with power meter...
Can’t believe he actually said sram etap is the same as DI2, sram is so much slower than DI2. Maybe if the cables were actually sorted out properly, heat shrunk and had that 7 foot cable between the exit of the frame and rear mech sorted he wouldn’t have any worries.
Would you ask if mountain bikes need a separate groupset to road? Whilst only subtle, the needs on gravel are different to the road. I'd rather have two distinct setups so that road groupsets remain focussed on road riding, and gravel more on gravel.
I have Shimano GRX Di2 2by system. If I buy for 1by new cassete, rear derailleur and crankarm can I convert to 1by. Can my GRX 2by shifters be used for 1by? Do I need anything else?
I was hesitant to watch a BR video, but this was reserved and felt like an honest assessment. Warren, if you've tried the other generations of Di2, has the shift button click improved with these?
What head unit is this please? Was looking at getting new bike but it months because everywhere is outta stock so might get this grx for my specialized diverge
Sub compact will allow you get rid of your rear pie plate and get closer gear steps, lighter overall and turns out you don't need a dang 50t on gravel. I can still spin at 30+ with a 46t. 2x subcompact will be the next revolution!
Idem. Unfortunately, the 48/35 Force eTap AXS 2x keeps dropping the chain on half the upshifts (and occasionally, on downshifts, as well) - and is additionally not chain catcher -compatible. Or so say the bike mechanics.
@@LeoInterHyenaem i use red etap 2x11 on a shimano crank. It was a bitch to get right and dropped chains a lot but now I got it set up perfectly and it never drops a chain anymore :) even on cobbles and rough roads etc. I bet it's possible to get right :)
Decent review, but your cockpit is way too muckied up with gobble de goop! I thought you can use your left shifter for dropper post and not have the extra GDG lever on the bar. Me, cable derailleurs, but, I like the rest of GRX concepts, now make it lighter.
www.reddit.com/r/peloton/comments/cn3amw/bauke_mollema_with_a_mechanical_issue/ Exactly why I would never use SRAM again. Had it previously and had nothing but constant issues with it. Shimano just works and DI2 works brilliantly
Never met anyone or heard any story of Di2 cables snagging and breaking. They tend to pull out in extreme circumstances but are enormously robust. AXS battery theft is a problem. A small minority might want to scroll through screens whilst riding but is it important or essential? No no. Do yourself a favour and select 2x if you're buying, 1x is an expensive niche mistake.
casettes are still useless. 2x 11-34 with gigantic gaps is just stupid, 1x 11-40 has the same gaps and not enough range. Guess it would be a nice groupset if mated to Campagnolo Chorus 48-32 x 11-34 crankset and casette, though im not sure the GRX lever ergonomics is better than Campy's
Very good review but unless you are really interested in Gravel bikes this was a snooze fest. Please try and change the picture every 30 second or something to spice things up especially for the younger generation 😊
Ok. Been meaning to ask for a couple years...why an old fat guy as a subject matter expert For a cycling channel? Don’t mean to be disrespectful, but on GCN, For example, they are all former cyclist who remain in very good condition. I take it back if this guy is some former pro who is just in his 50s early 60s.
As an old, fat guy, I really appreciate a guy like this. I like GCN as well; not sure why only one body shape or mindset or worldview can be presented. That clip really spoke to me as strongly as it repelled you, I suppose. Seriously, I'm not just looking to argue and embellish after the fact, but while I was watching this, for the second time, I was struck by, "Hey, that's cool, a regular guy, with a dad bod like me." I hope he does more. Peace out, yo
He went through that puddle like a million times
Hey bike media, here's a thought, what if... not always the Di2-version?
Thanks for the review and for covering all the options. I'm happy to see Shimano continue to pay more attention to ergonomics. I'm comparing the SRAM Force eTap AXS and GRX Di2. The limited options for 2X gearing on the SRAM is making the decision for me. I do wish Shimano would go wireless and maybe some carbon cranks while they'r at it.
You know what would make shifting even better? Hyperglide+ from the mountain 12 speed groups.
sabamacx I’m surprised they didn’t include that. But I guess it’s reserved for 12 speed.
EDIT: But I think the cassettes and chains are just from the road groups, so it makes sense.
Yep, then you just need some flat bars and a suspension fork, and bob’s your uncle!
Oh snap, this aged well.
I think it's good Shimano has a seperate groupset for gravel rides. Anytime I've seen hybrid bikes or components, there's usually compromises to the rider. Keeping the groupsets separate will let Shimano keep the road specific drivetrain lighter and the gravel groupset more adapted to the trail riding.
Just spec'd GRX 600 mechanical for a new all-purpose frameset for the utility, sub-compact gearing and versatility across the groupset. Always a big fan of 105, so this ticks all the value/form/function boxes. WTG Shimano.
Who ever built this bike did a poor job with the cables/wiring. A pro build from a master mechanic could have had that thing cleaned up and wiring dialed. 🔧
Simply there are too much thing there... 🙈
They sure did ... I use zip ties to sort the cables.... not hard!
It's a loaner bike from Shimano most likely. The handlebars will be raised and lowered depending on who is riding it. It wouldn't be practical to have the cables cleaned up to fit one height.
It seems I cannot get my question answered: How do you power the Di2 groupset if you gravel bike has a internally routed dropper post?
Thanks for thoughtful review - while Shimano call this their 'gravel' system it has attractions to me for my 'all-road' bike where my cycling is a mix of pavement and trails:
~ fully agree re 'needing' WU111 bluetooth unit to get most out of Di2 (especially if you have a garmin unit), I guess it is a fear of headline pricing that means mostly it is left out of standard spec bikes
~ the 48/31 front crank option is attractive to this senior citizen as it gives an extra gear for the hills
~ intrigued by the brake levers being better for smaller hands, may be of interest for my wife (as may sub-brake levers on top, but then with her narrow bar space may really become an issue)
I have used Ultegra 6870 (Di2/hydraulic) since early 2017 - while I am sure mechanical system is fine, Di2 has been a revelation and has operated faultlessly for me
Cables have been long in the tooth, but the Di2 will eventually go wireless.
But what annoys Me more about the GRX - is the measly 11-speed transmission and the ridiculous weight of the system: it's roughly ca. 500grams heavier than a comparable Shimano's own road groupset. The Norco Search XR 2020 I have on preorder, is forecast to come with a GRX 810 groupset and a dropper post (and wide gravel-specific Easton wheels and tubeless knobby tractor tyres). I'd much rather that it came with a carbon suspension seatpost instead, a 12 or 13 -speed groupset (Sram or Rotor), light aero carbon wheels - and light, fast-rolling tubeless slicks instead.
Why always spend most time talking about the Di2 option when so few people actually buy this. You should have covered the 800 and 600 mechanical more thoroughly since that is what people will buy. The nice servo breaking is not on those. How much of a difference that makes ? How is the mechanical lever feel and shape since they are different ? Please write reviews for the readers not the manufacturers.
I've got GRX 600 on my new Orro Terra C. The lever design is really comfortable; big and chunky but shaped so can keep a good grip. Brakes engage with relatively little lever pull compared to my SRAM Rival discs. Gears and levers are smooth and light to operate. Overall really well made, feels like a premium product. Big step up from my SRAM road discs.
Perhaps you and your local riders are on mechanical but then Derek and his pals somewhere else are all on Di2.
He's made a good review, just not for you this time (unless you want to treat yourself to electronic).
@@xxiipp My road bike is Di2 already. Love it. But my gravel bike is not. My point is a tiny tiny fraction of gravel bikes use Di2 making the review far less relevant than it should be. It would not have been hard to cover both mechanical and Di2 in the same review.
@@MrMartin246 3 of my 4 bikes are Di2. I appreciated this video. I'm sure the mechanical review will come soon...
Would someone bother explaining how, however, people with Di2 mostly hang out with people with Di2, and people with mecanical groupsets never end up riding with a significant amount of them? Is it perhaps because they hardly ever ride their bikes or is it a sort of a "I'm too rich to ride with poor people with mechanical groupsets and rim brakes" kind of deal?
You can select shift modes on di2 using the button on your junction box with no wireless module.
Please test the mechanical 1x version with the Deore cassette. Thanks and keep up the great videos.
I love the top bar brake levers and buttons, I was wondering why top bar brakes went out of style from yesteryears because I had to put top bar brakes for my daughter as she likes to use top bar position the best... I would definitely consider getting these groupset on my next bike, probably mechanical version for cost benefits...
Howie Choi If you’ve got cable brakes, they’re a pretty easy install. Before now, you just couldn’t have them with hydraulic brakes, which is why you didn’t see them as often I suppose.
So much chaos going on with that setup. To each their own.
Good review I ended up buying a used one and i love it :)
I saw that you guys fitted a dropper post to it would like to fit one to mine that would bring alot more enjoyment when descending ! How did you manage the dropper install with the di2 battery in the seatpost ? Thanks !
Can't you trim the cable, so it doesn't stick out so far?
I think you can do it diy with cervo motors with normal rear derailleur... And lot of coding... Probably we can do auto shifting on with power meter...
Can’t believe he actually said sram etap is the same as DI2, sram is so much slower than DI2. Maybe if the cables were actually sorted out properly, heat shrunk and had that 7 foot cable between the exit of the frame and rear mech sorted he wouldn’t have any worries.
Would you ask if mountain bikes need a separate groupset to road? Whilst only subtle, the needs on gravel are different to the road.
I'd rather have two distinct setups so that road groupsets remain focussed on road riding, and gravel more on gravel.
It’s nice, but I’m definitely not going to rush to replace my current setup with this. Feels more like a marketing thing than a gap in the market.
I have Shimano GRX Di2 2by system. If I buy for 1by new cassete, rear derailleur and crankarm can I convert to 1by. Can my GRX 2by shifters be used for 1by? Do I need anything else?
Top video Sir, thank you.
More Warren videos, not less. But needs increase in Neck Beard performance ;-)
I was hesitant to watch a BR video, but this was reserved and felt like an honest assessment.
Warren, if you've tried the other generations of Di2, has the shift button click improved with these?
@bikeradar what's the computer mount used in the video? have a link available to it?
The rear derailleur cable hanging out @0:47
What head unit is this please? Was looking at getting new bike but it months because everywhere is outta stock so might get this grx for my specialized diverge
Have you had any experience with maintenance on the inline levers? Does it make bleeding the brakes more complex or required more often etc?
2x all day long 💯🇺🇸
Good attempt but still no really low gears. A 24/40 crank set would do the trick.
Are the GRX cranksets compatible with 73mm bottom bracket shells?
A proper pro bike builder, could sort the wires, and help clean up that build in general
But, yeah SRAM axs...
how was the cable on the dropper seatpost routed ?
What frame is this?
What bike are you riding in the video?
I Use Ultegra D12 with rear RX; 50/34 with 11/42. Can't see any reaon to change to GRX
Sub compact will allow you get rid of your rear pie plate and get closer gear steps, lighter overall and turns out you don't need a dang 50t on gravel. I can still spin at 30+ with a 46t. 2x subcompact will be the next revolution!
The whole point is to change effective gearing along with tire size. With tires 35mm and larger, typical road size rings are unnecessary.
Really awesome!
A zip tie covered with heat shrink tubing might help retain the loose wire closer to the end of the drop out
Is that your personal bike? .I know you like the grade
The reason I got etap and not di2 is because di2 has wires....
Idem. Unfortunately, the 48/35 Force eTap AXS 2x keeps dropping the chain on half the upshifts (and occasionally, on downshifts, as well) - and is additionally not chain catcher -compatible. Or so say the bike mechanics.
@@LeoInterHyenaem i use red etap 2x11 on a shimano crank. It was a bitch to get right and dropped chains a lot but now I got it set up perfectly and it never drops a chain anymore :) even on cobbles and rough roads etc. I bet it's possible to get right :)
Very Good bro.
the levers may work excellently and the whole groupset does look great for cx/ gravel but to me those levers are very ugly
I agree, but I'm pretty sure they're optional?
@@sylvainbernaers so do the stabilisers on my son's bike, but there is no way I'm having them on mine! :p
At least they're better than the fugly old RS505 levers!
Jesus christ these wires.. It drove me nuts, I just imagine a branch tugging on that expensive derailleur cable.
What's the point of Di2 if it isn't even wireless? Like sure it shifts better, but not for the price.
I can guarantee Shimano is working on a wireless version. I won't consider buying Di2 until it becomes wireless.
I mean that’s it - it shifts better. But yes, the higher he price, the more marginal the performance gains.
@@dpstrial ya have shimano worried !!
@@brody5211 Sram have Shimano worried, not I.
Doubt it. Shimano shifts better and brakes better than Sram. Sram does nothing better.
Decent review, but your cockpit is way too muckied up with gobble de goop! I thought you can use your left shifter for dropper post and not have the extra GDG lever on the bar. Me, cable derailleurs, but, I like the rest of GRX concepts, now make it lighter.
У дядьки идеальный велик по окраске ! ! !
Nice camo watch
The DI2 wiring is awful, why would i buy this over eTap 1X. Installation of eTap, bolt on rear mech, pair with levers, end.
You get better range with shimano for less $
Because it shifts better
@@kkkwwwaaakkk ehhh no... owning an EAGLE X01 AXS and it outperforms the XTR 12 Speed
@@kkkwwwaaakkk Says who, ever?
www.reddit.com/r/peloton/comments/cn3amw/bauke_mollema_with_a_mechanical_issue/
Exactly why I would never use SRAM again. Had it previously and had nothing but constant issues with it. Shimano just works and DI2 works brilliantly
The tops only brake right? They don”t shift.
Correct
nice, review the topend verison which noone can afford!!
Hope the Topstone and Grail get GRX
The 2020 model year Grails do.
Never met anyone or heard any story of Di2 cables snagging and breaking. They tend to pull out in extreme circumstances but are enormously robust. AXS battery theft is a problem. A small minority might want to scroll through screens whilst riding but is it important or essential? No no. Do yourself a favour and select 2x if you're buying, 1x is an expensive niche mistake.
remote shifters and extra brake levers.... just get a flat bar 😄
Of I can, too fast , If I’m not mother tongue, very hard to understand fully
So much shit on those handle bars!
The music on this video is so distracting/grating
Physical Cable for Life. Do you trust wireless/bluetooth/battery operated devices on your bike??????????
casettes are still useless. 2x 11-34 with gigantic gaps is just stupid, 1x 11-40 has the same gaps and not enough range. Guess it would be a nice groupset if mated to Campagnolo Chorus 48-32 x 11-34 crankset and casette, though im not sure the GRX lever ergonomics is better than Campy's
Bikes keep getting lighter but we keep adding more junk to them. ??????
God this guys clueless, Shimano can’t go wireless as Sram have the patents!
Very good review but unless you are really interested in Gravel bikes this was a snooze fest. Please try and change the picture every 30 second or something to spice things up especially for the younger generation 😊
Shift levers look ugly, seriously , and look like old campagnolo
Looks like a proper dogs breakfast on the bars........im out.
Ok. Been meaning to ask for a couple years...why an old fat guy as a subject matter expert For a cycling channel?
Don’t mean to be disrespectful, but on GCN, For example, they are all former cyclist who remain in very good condition. I take it back if this guy is some former pro who is just in his 50s early 60s.
As an old, fat guy, I really appreciate a guy like this. I like GCN as well; not sure why only one body shape or mindset or worldview can be presented. That clip really spoke to me as strongly as it repelled you, I suppose. Seriously, I'm not just looking to argue and embellish after the fact, but while I was watching this, for the second time, I was struck by, "Hey, that's cool, a regular guy, with a dad bod like me." I hope he does more. Peace out, yo
He is an outstanding journalist -that’s what matters.
Please get this guy off your videos BR.
Not a chance. We like Warren, and he's here to stay! x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
@@bikeradar GO Warren!!