CyclistShimano gives GRX 212 the Di2 treatment, but 1x is left on 11The release of Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 2x 12-speed brings the brands gravel groupset in line with its latest electronic road designs. This is an update to the 2x GRX RX815 Di2 11-speed, and mirrors last years move to 12-speed for the brands mechanical GRX options. The RX825 launch includes new shift levers, satellite switches and derailleurs which are compatible with specific existing 12-speed GRX drivetrain components.Following in the path of Dura-Ace, Ultegra and 105, this almost completes the electronic overhaul of Shimanos performance drop-bar groupsets. Obvious in its omission though is a 1x version of the new GRX Di2, which begs the question of whether Shimano will move that variant further on again in some way.The new Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 components are slightly heavier than the equivalent parts of the mechanical 2x 12-speed GRX RX820. There is, however, a slight weight advantage against the like-for-like components of the 2x 11-speed GRX RX815 Di2 that is being superseded.ShimanoThe RRP for a set of RX825 shifters and derailleurs is 1,109.96, or 1,309.96 if paired with RX820 brake callipers. GRX RX825 Di2 groupsets completed with already released components start from 2,060.87.Shimano is concurrently launching adjacent gravel products, including a limited, embossed United in Gravel version of the existing Deore XT SPD gravel pedals, renamed the GRX SPD M8100-UGs.Shimanos sister company, PRO Bikegear, has released a new cockpit combination comprised of the Discover Aero Carbon Handlebar and the Discover Stem 10, which were both developed with a focus on aerodynamics for gravel racers. Related Posts What We Ride: Matthews Giant Revolt Advanced with GRX Di2 New mechanical 12-speed Shimano GRX groupsets bring huge gear range to gravel Shimano GRX RX820 groupset review Shimano GRX Di2 groupset review Key detailsShimanoNavigating the Shimano gravel groupset catalogue was already quite complex. With the release of the GRX RX825 Di2 components, there is now an additional set of shifters and derailleurs to account for, though we can expect that time is limited for the 2x 11-speed Di2.The RX825 release only comprises of shifters and derailleurs, so any new builds have to incorporate components from existing GRX lines. As noted in our coverage of Shimanos mechanical 12-speed GRX groupsets release, the 2x drivetrain will remain backwards compatible with Shimanos existing gravel wheels, the WH-RX880s, as well as HG+ freehubs, and will fit on the newer HG L2 freehub bodies as well.The shift to a 2x electronic 12-speed system eclipses the other minor changes in this release. Differences in weight are negligible and technology like chain-drop protector Shadow RD+ and E-Tube Project though good to have appear elsewhere in the Di2 range. The additional range of customisable buttons and satellite shifters represents a notable upgrade to the gravel riding experience.Through the wireShimanoPersevering with design choices in the other electronic Shimano systems, the GRX Di2 shifters use coin cell batteries to remain wireless, with Shimano fitting a wired battery into the seat post to power the front and rear derailleurs. Shimano estimates that riders will get up to four years of riding from each coin cell battery.The rear derailleur houses a charge port and a multi-function button which is used for checking battery level and gear indexing.The Di2 system allows riders to install satellite shifter buttons on the bars wherever they see fit. These can be used in the same way as the additional third button on the shifter and assigned different functions.ShimanoThe combination of both wired and wireless connections removes the need to install junctions, which is good news for those building up their own frames. Wireless shifters mean only brake cables will be routed through the headset and down tube, while both derailleurs will benefit from the additional capacity of a seatpost-housed battery.Keep on rollingShimanoLegacy technology Shadow Rd+ is integrated into the rear derailleur. This is a spring-loaded system that applies constant rearward force on the derailleur which Shimano claims keeps the chain taut and reduces dropped chains over uneven surfaces. It can be switched off the extra chain tension released via a derailleur button so as not to interfere with wheel removal.Just like for GRX RX815 Di2, there is a multifunctional third button on the inside of each hood, as well as the Di2s normal two-part paddle layout behind the brake levers. Accessory Di2 shift switches are also compatible with the RX825 system, so riders can set up satellite buttons elsewhere on the bars.ShimanoCoinciding with the launch is a firmware update to Shimanos pairing app, E-Tube, including Front Shift Next, which will allow riders to assign either the third button on the inside of the hood or a satellite shifter to toggle between chainrings meaning there is now extensive scope for riders customising their own gear shifting.Gravel-specific shiftersShimanoShimano claims that rounder hood shapes and an increased overall surface area on the RX825 shifters have been included to help with handlebar comfort over rough surfaces. To this end, the body shape of the brake levers has been altered to fit flared handlebars.With the help of its fishing department, Shimano has continued to coat the brake lever surface with anti-slip coating, as per earlier GRX releases.On the scalesShimanoThe combined claimed weight of the derailleurs and shifter system is 867g, which compares well against the claimed 938g 2x mechanical 12-speed GRX RX820 line. However, the addition of the seatpost battery and battery cables pushes the overall weight of the RX825 Di2 to a claimed 965g, 27g heavier than the mechanical groupset.The most like-for-like comparison is against the 2x 11-speed GRX RX815 Di2 setup. Together, the shifters, derailleurs, battery and cables of RX815 weigh a claimed 891g. So there is a modest weight saving of 24g for the RX825 Di2 release.Drivetrain optionsThere is a range of crankset and cassette compatibility for the GRX GX825 Di2 components. The HG710 cassette provides the largest 11-36t range with the 11-34t cassette available in the R9200, R8100 and R7100 guises, which differ in weight and price.ShimanoChainrings from the higher spec RX820 and cheaper RX610 are available with slightly different ratios: 48/31t and 46/30t respectively, plus three crank lengths: 170/172.5/175mm. Shimano continues to provide a 2.5mm wider chainline compared to its road groupsets which contributes to larger tyre clearance and helps to prevent muddy debris interfering with the drivetrain.Limited edition gravel pedalsShimanoIn releasing the GRX SPD M8100-UGs, Shimano has rebadged its own Deore XT pedals, but with cosmetic additions. The Deore XT pedals are second in Shimanos gravel pedal pecking order, behind the XTRs, offering a wide, dual-sided SPD clip in, spring adjustability, and offset binding which Shimano claims helps with shedding debris.This limited-edition pedal release has an identical spec to the Deore XT pedals but they are decorated with United in Gravel graphics. United in Gravel is the strapline of Shimanos gravel campaign, encouraging riders to take on rougher surfaces.An updated Discover gravel cockpitShimanoThe new Pro Discover Aero Carbon Handlebars from Shimanos sister parts company, Pro Bikegear, feature 12 degrees of flare and a 4-degree forward sweep and are available in 40, 42 and 44cm widths. The accompanying 31.8mm Pro Discover Stem 10 is alloy rather than carbon and comes in seven lengths, 60-120mm. It allows for a 10 flippable degree angle and is compatible with semi-internal cable routing.Learn more about Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 at bike.shimano.com Related Posts What We Ride: Matthews Giant Revolt Advanced with GRX Di2 New mechanical 12-speed Shimano GRX groupsets bring huge gear range to gravel Shimano GRX RX820 groupset review Shimano GRX Di2 groupset review Full list of new Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 and Pro Bikegear products with prices and weightsGroupsetsRX825 2x from 2,060.87Shimano RX825 partsShifter and disc brake set12-speed right lever with BR-RX820 calliper: 399.992-speed left lever with BR-RX820 calliper: 399.99Shifters12-speed right lever: 299.992-speed left lever: 299.99415 grams / pairFront derailleurs184.99142 gramsRear derailleurs324.99310 gramsPedals114.99342 grams / pairPro Bikegear PartsPro Discover Aero Carbon Handlebars40cm: 349.99265 grams42cm: 349.99280 grams44cm: 349.99285 gramsPro Discover Stem 1070mm: 99.9980mm: 99.9990mm: 99.99100mm: 99.99110mm: 99.99From 142 gramsThe post Shimano gives GRX 212 the Di2 treatment, but 1x is left on 11 appeared first on Cyclist.