Note: All information and images provided by Shimano.
Shimano announced today, on the heels of their XTR wireless announcement, a new GRX variant. This is in addition to the partially wired GRX 2 X 12 speed group and has an entirely new GRX rear derailleur.
The new 1 X 12 wireless GRX rear derailleur
Like its XTR sibling,the new GRX features the new low profile design with "skid plate" and resetting functionality after a strike to it. These features are for better "survivability" in rougher, less than ideal conditions.
Like XTR, this derailleur has a removable battery, which is housed in the derailleur's more rounded form factor which should allow this derailleur to be less prone to catching on grass, or being knocked out of shape.
The rear derailleur comes in a long cage only and costs $565.00 USD. Don't forget the battery charger which costs $45.00 USD. Extra batteries are $55.00 USD each.
The other bit which is new is a "dummy" left lever for the 1X set up. This lever still retains the extra "bonus" button of the GRX Di2 group. This means a rider can assign this button to act as a Bluetooth trigger, or a shift lever, or as a compliment to the right lever functionality. This left lever costs $385.00 USD. (The right lever is $595.00 USD.)
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| The left lever still features a "Bonus Button" function. |
Additionally, the wireless factor brings in a host of options to the rider as GRX wireless is compatible with Di2 12 speed Dura Ace, Ultegra, XTR, and Deore controls. Obviously, the previously released GRX Di2 is also compatible with this new rear derailleur.
Shimano is carrying over the same 1X GRX crank it introduced with Di2 GRX and the cassette recommended is the 10-51T 12 speed MicroSpline model.
Shimano also took this opportunity to release a budget friendly aluminum wheel set with a 25mm internal rim width. The rims are hooked, and the cassette free hub body is easily exchanged from MicroSpline to an HG type covering bases from 1 X 12 to 12 speed, and many 11 and 10 speed cassettes. This wheel set weighs in at just over 2,000 grams and costs $285.00 USD.
Comments: Somewhat curious timing here, but if Shimano did not want to tip its hand by releasing this at Unbound, which would have signaled what XTR was going to be, then I understand. But this begs the question: "Why do we still have a 2X 12 partially wired group? A front derailleur may be sitting waiting on a shelf, (which I would 100% bet money on), so perhaps this portends a new GRX 13 speed group to come which would have a 2X wireless set up.
It is hard to say since Shimano's GRX can be tied to both road and mountain bike technologies. One would assume then that a 13 speed GRX wireless group would not precede, say, a 13 speed wireless Dura Ace group. (The Tour is starting soon though, so.....???
It is also interesting to note that Di2 isn't different for MTB, Gravel, or Road. There is no "cable pull", and 12/13 speeds limits differentiation based upon use because the spaces are so tight now. My belief is the future will be marked by what is or is not supported by software updates. So, if Shimano wanted to, let's say, eliminate 12 speed Di2 GRX at some point, it could cease supporting the hardware with software updates. (Which is what they did to 10 speed Di2) OR it could make 13 speed backward compatible with previous 12 speed by a simple update to the lever.
Currently there still is a mechanical 12 speed GRX, but does this survive a move to 13 speed. Does SRAM introduce a budget mechanical 13 speed XPLR group, which forces Shimano to introduce a 13 speed gravel group?
The future will be interesting....
