The 2x11-speed crank is available in a 48-31T chainring combination and 170, 172.5, and 175mm crank arm lengths. The downside, for some, is a wider Q-factor and a mandatory matching GRX front derailleur on 2x drivetrains.Shimano’s gravel-oriented GRX includes a lightweight GRX wheelset that packs a lot of value into its $419 price tag. With an integrated chain stabilizer mechanism, the Shimano GRX derailleur provides a quieter experience while delivering shifting security and precision on mixed terrain. With the clutch engaged, shift action isn’t exactly light action, but it’s precise and most importantly, the chain stays on the chain rings. Europe, however, gets a 10-speed 1x crankset as well.Inline brake levers are back thanks to Shimano’s RX812 sub brake levers, and they’re a fun addition to the handlebar. I’d love the ability to mount them wider on the bars for a position closer to a mountain bike flat bar, but still feel the braking convenience is worth the weight penalty.Shimano’s gravel-oriented GRX mechanical components include a 1x and 2x rear derailleur. © A. Yee / Cyclocross MagazineUp front, Shimano has some work to catch up to SRAM’s offerings, with just the 40 and 42t wide-narrow chain ring options, compared to SRAM’s 6 different 11-speed 1x chain ring offerings, starting at a 36t and ending with a 46t (SRAM’s 12-speed crank comes with a whopping 8 chain ring options from 36-50t).Shimano’s gravel-oriented GRX mechanical components offer wide range 2x gearing with a 48/31 chain ring combination.
© A. Yee / Cyclocross MagazineShimano’s gravel-oriented GRX mechanical components come in both 1x and 2x drivetrain options. With a low-profile Flat Mount design, the SHIMANO GRX BR-RX810 hydraulic disc brakes provide greater control for mixed terrain riding. photo: Serling LorenceThe mechanical options I reviewed deliver expanded the gearing options and outstanding shift performance for not just cyclocross and gravel, but all types of drop bar riding. Swapping a 32mm tire for a 45mm gravel tire can make your gearing as much as 4% harder. Gearing options cater for the specific demands of gravel riding and to maintain tighter gear steps for maintaining pedaling rhythm. Shifting may not be optimal, but it’s certainly possible.While SRAM with its 11-speed Force 1, Rival 1 and Apex 1 drivetrains has dominated the 1x drop bar offroad drivetrain market, its popular roller bearing clutch derailleurs have been 1x only due to their limited capacity. This design should allow bike companies and frame builders in the future to maximize tire clearance without lengthening chainstays, and bigger chainrings on bikes where clearance by the chainstays is already tight. The wide-range 2x gearing will be welcomed by many road cyclists, while the 1x option could make an excellent commuter bike drivetrain.Shimano’s gravel-oriented GRX mechanical components include 1x and 2x crankset options. Of course, you could always opt for a corn cob rear cassette if you prefer 2x gearing and want to avoid the 31/34 low. The levers a bit limited in that they are absurdly short, barely fitting two fingers, and their clamp requires them to be mounted near the stem clamp in a very narrow stance. However, I’m thankful for the mixup, as it revealed the effectiveness of the Shimano clutch, as the 1x derailleur handled shifting duties without a chain drop, even though the drivetrain was 9 teeth over the derailleur’s stated capacity.Similarly, the 2x derailleur can handle duty with larger-than-stated rear cogs with some aggressive B-screw adjustment. SHIMANO's new FC-RX810-2 crank balances weight and efficiency for mixed-terrain riding. © A. Yee / Cyclocross MagazineThe 48/31 double chain ring combination offers an impressive range of gearing on any cassette, and paired with the 11-34 cassette, serves up a low and high gear that should be sufficient for almost any terrain you encounter.Although we have not yet reviewed the 1x chain ring itself (stay tuned), we have tested the 1x-specific rear derailleur with cassettes up to 11-42t. Both 1x chainring options in the U.S. are for 11-speed chains. They’re not compatible and won’t work without a file or Dremel. Even so, they still greatly expand your usable hand positions in technical terrain. The RD-RX810 rear derailleur is compatible with road cassettes with a 34T low sprocket max. )Shimano’s gravel-oriented GRX mechanical components, reviewed on a Trek Checkpoint gravel bike. © A. Yee / Cyclocross MagazineLost in all the discussion about clutch derailleurs, gearing and cross-compatibility is the fact that Shimano has a sweet set of GRX wheels that deliver outstanding value.After several weeks of testing, the GRX RX570 wheels are still rolling true despite rough adventures in two states, several trips inside a bike box and a few spills.Inline levers on a drop bar’s tops were popular among cyclocrossers when rim brakes ruled the world.Sure, it’s not 12-speed or bleeding edge, but for the way many of us ride, it doesn’t need to be. © A. Yee / Cyclocross MagazineFor less than just one race entry fee, you can get months of ‘cross bliss, without the suffering.The Shimano GRX family meets so much of what we’d expect in an off-road drop-bar component group. I want more 1x chainring options, more cassette options, wider rims and more mounting positions for the inline levers, but I’m sure most of those are already on the drawing board.