The long wait is over—Shimano is officially in the fully wireless drop-bar game with the all-new GRX RX827 Di2 1×12 drivetrain. Built on a mix of road and mountain bike technology, this latest GRX setup blends their proven Di2 shifting with the rugged, wireless rear derailleur architecture first seen on the newest version of the Shimano XTR wireless groupset, launched early in the summer.

Photos: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com

Shimano GRX Wireless

GRX RX827 (or, as the kids call it, GRX wireless) is Shimano’s first fully wireless drop-bar drivetrain. Unlike previous GRX Di2 models that relied on internal wiring, the RX827 system completely cuts the cord. 

The heart of the system is the new RD-RX827 wireless rear derailleur, which manages shifting duties with a robust, MTB-inspired (take a close look at the new XT wireless) build that includes a skid plate, automatic impact recovery, and SHADOW ES tech for a slim profile and trail-capable toughness.

What Took So Long?

If you’re wondering what took so long? It was the fact that the GRX Wireless rear derailleur is basically the newly minted Shimano XT wireless rear derailleur (a GR-XT, let’s say). So, let’s say the GRX wireless dropped last year alongside its double brethren, the cat would be out of the bag for the updated (and well-hidden) wireless XTR. Shimano needed to keep that technology a secret for as long as possible, and delaying the launch of GRX wireless was the only option. I wonder what else they’re hiding from us?

GRX Wireless Derailleur Tech Details:

• SHADOW ES Profile – Tucks the derailleur out of harm’s way, like the new XTR and XT
• Automatic Impact Recovery – Hits a rock? It resets itself.
• Chain Stabilization – A dual spring design maintains high chain tension for improved retention.
• Sealed Battery – Fully internal, protected, and easy to swap out.
• Weight: 450g (actual)

Photos: Shimano

New Shimano GRX Levers? Sorta

The levers for the GRX groupset were released with the 12-speed double front chain ring version last year. The levers are excellent, and I love them. They are slightly longer in the body than the last version and have a well-defined bonus button. Plus, the braking sensation (if you can believe it) is actually better, and the lever throw feels amazing. The newest update features a single-only setup, cleaning up the lever body while maintaining the same shape as the version released last year. 

The levers have the same top buttons on each, allowing you to run a cool setup by shifting up and down on each lever’s bonus button. But you can still shift up and down the cassette from the right lever. Very cool, in my opinion, and why fix something if it works fine? 

GRX Crankset

[In my best Troy McClure voice] “You may remember this Shimano GRX crankset from groupsets such as the Shimano GRX 1×12 mechanical.” That’s not a bad thing; there’s no good reason to redo a crankset that works well. Although it would have been great to see a premium ultra-race crankset, for most, if not all gravel racers, that is the Dura-Ace crankset. Although it’s not officially available in a single-ring option, there are some effective workarounds available.

Photos: Shimano

Key Features – Shimano GRX RX827

• Wireless Di2 Tech – Same quick shifting and customization found on Shimano’s road groupsets, now in a wireless, gravel-tuned package.
• RD-RX827 Rear Derailleur – 12-speed, long cage, handles 10-51T MTB cassettes. Fully wireless with an internal, removable battery that boasts 700–1,000 km per charge.
• Crankset Options – 1×12 setup with 40T or 42T rings, paired with 10-51T Micro Spline cassettes.
• New Brake Lever Option – The BL-RX825-L brake-only lever trims weight and simplifies 1x setups.

Wheelset Launch: RX180 Aluminum Gravel Wheels

What would a groupset be without a wheelset launch? But these aren’t some super-racy wheels; they’re sub-$300 (for the pair) alloy workhorse wheels.

Budget-friendly and built for real-world abuse, these wheels feature a conservative 25mm internal hooked rim width, accommodating tires ranging from 32mm to 50mm. Bonus: The new hub system allows you to switch between Micro Spline and HG L freehub bodies.

• Wheel Weight: – 2,100g (claimed)
• Hooked Tubeless Rims
• Convertible Freehub: Run 10/11/12-speed Shimano cassettes
• Price: $285 (set), $125 (front), $155 (rear)

Shimano GRX RX827 Wireless Di2 Prices & Weights

• Left Brake Lever Kit (BL-RX825 + BR-RX820, 160mm rotor-ready)
  Price: $345.00, Weight: 395g
• Right Shifter/Brake Kit (ST-RX825 + BR-RX820, 1700mm hose)
  Price: $595.00, Weight: 415g
• Rotor (RT-CL800, 160mm)
  Price: $70.00 (x2 = $140.00) Weight:169g each (x2 = 338g)
• Crankset (FC-RX820-1, 170mm, 40T)
  Price: $280.00, Weight: 644g
• Rear Derailleur (RD-RX827)
  Price: $565.00, Weight: 454g
• Battery Charger (EC-DN100)
  Price: $45.00, Weight: N/A
• Battery (BT-DN320)
  Price: $55.00, Weight: 26.5g
• Cassette (CS-M8200-12, 10-51T)
  Price: $195.00, Weight: 473g
• Chain (CN-M8100, 138L)
  Price: $62.00, Weight: 252g

First Impressions: Shimano GRX RX827 Wireless Di2

Roll over to our review here and read our thoughts

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