Categories: Products

Shimano gravel line-up gets 2×12 GRX RX825 Di2 components

Shimano has introduced its new 2×12-speed GRX RX825 Di2 components, matching the Japanese brand’s electronic shifting with gearing options optimised for riding, racing, and all-day gravel adventures.

Electrified 2×12-speed GRX options

Shimano’s new range of gravel components brings an electronic shifting option to the 2 x 12 GRX group that launched last year.

Pairing the new GRX RX825 Di2 shift levers, available satellite switches, front derailleur, and rear Shadow RD + derailleur with the existing RX820 crankset, cassette, and brakes, opens up new options for the 2 x 12-speed gravel groupset.

All-conditions performance: GRX 12-speed Di2

ST-RX825 – Hydraulic Disc Brake Dual Control Lever

2 x 12-speed Dual Control Lever with Wireless Di2 Connectivity
Gravel-specific brake lever and bracket ergonomics (new flared drop bar optimisation)
Anti-slip coating on brake lever surface
Three Di2 buttons per lever for E-Tube Project Cyclist app customisation
Weight: 415 grams/pair

GRX Di2 brings 12-speed wireless shifting to the brand’s gravel-specific cockpit, with raised hoods, ribbed surface texture, and anti-slip brake levers all designed to provide better grip. As was with the original GRX RX815 Di2 Dual Control Levers, the location of the third Di2 button remains on the inside of the hood.

Whether used as another shift location or for scrolling through screens on a cycle computer, this third button offers riders the option to tailor and customise the GRX Di2 experience. Replaceable coin cell batteries (2 x CR1632) which power the shifter have an expected lifespan of 3.5 to 4 years.

RD-RX825 Rear Derailleur

SHADOW RD+ Chain Stabilisation
Compatible with 11-34T and 11-36T cassettes
Weight: 310 grams

GRX RX825 Di2 compatible gearing options

48/31T RX820 crank
46/30T RX610 crank
11-36T HG710 cassette
11-34T R9200, R8100, R7100 cassettes

FD-RX825 Front Derailleur

Chainline +2.5mm vs. conventional road FD
Wider tyre clearance
2 x 12-speed
Weight: 142 grams

NB: FD-RX825 is not compatible with 46/30T FC-RX610

Wider chainline for more clearance

As with the first GRX groups, the RX825 system employs a wider, +2.5mm chainline for improved tyre clearance. This is especially helpful with the trend towards wider tyres and events where mud is expected.

Front Shift Next

The launch of RX825 also coincides with the debut of Shimano’s new Front Shift Next functionality. With this firmware update, riders can now utilize Shimano’s user-friendly E-Tube Project Cyclist app to program any 12-speed Di2 button to shift the front derailleur to whichever chainring you are not currently using and then toggle back and forth using the same button.

This new firmware is compatible not only with GRX RX825 but also with Shimano’s family of 12-speed road Di2 groups.

Along with dramatically simplifying the gear-changing process, Shimano Front Shift Next can also free up other switches to handle tasks such as moving through multiple screens on a paired cycle computer, turning on and off compatible lights, or hitting the “lap” button on your cycle computer so riders can keep their hands securely in place, even during the hardest efforts.

Madison is the UK-appointed distributor for Shimano.

Simon Cox