Shimano Launches New Mechanical 12-speed Gravel GRX 820 and 105 R7100 Road Bike Groupsets

The cycling world is constantly innovating to improve performance and the cycling experience. With the introduction of two new 12-speed groupsets and their components, Shimano has once again raised the bar. The new versions for road and gravel bikes are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of these different cycling disciplines. Whether you're an experienced gravel rider always looking for technological advances or a passionate cyclist looking for the best possible ride, these new groupsets will ensure satisfaction on and off the bike!

The New Collection

• Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical 12-speed groupset
• Shimano GRX 820 12-speed groupsets
• Shimano GRX 610 12-speed groupset
• Shimano RX880 carbon Gravel wheelset

Shimano 105 R7100 Mechanical 12-Speed Groupset

Shimano introduces a new level of fun for cycling enthusiasts with the Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical 12-speed groupset. This groupset brings a 12-speed drivetrain to a wide audience of enthusiasts looking for solid and easy to maintain components without breaking the bank.

The all-new, lightweight Shimano 105 mechanical groupset offers premium mechanical shifting for a more natural ride feel. The Shimano 105 mechanical 12-speed groupset features the RD-R7100 rear derailleur with innovative Shadow RD technology. This technology provides a streamlined profile and single tension construction, resulting in smooth, efficient and quiet performance on any road bike.

With the jump to 12-speed, the mechanical Shimano 105 R7100 has options for riders who prefer high or low gears, along with an intelligent progression of intermediate gear levels. This is the result of optimised drivetrain components, including 11-34T and 11-36T cassette options, while the FC-R7100 HOLLOWTECH II 12-speed cranksets feature 50-34T and 52-36T chainrings.

By using 50-34T chainrings with an 11-34T or even an 11-36T cassette, riders can climb any mountain while keeping their cadence efficient and manageable on those long, steep climbs. Plus, the Shimano 105 semi-compact mechanical 52-36T setup reduces the risk of spinning out of gears on the descent or while sprinting on the flats.

The Shifters Offer Enhanced Ergonomics and Control

Designed for every hand size and shape, the new ST-R7120 gear/brake levers offer a relaxed shifting experience using the latest generation of ergonomic mechanical gear levers, providing greater comfort and control. With lighter, smoother lever action and a larger brake control area, the reach - the distance from handlebar to lever - has also been reduced.

The New 2023 GRX 820 12-Speed Groupsets

With the launch of the Shimano GRX RX820 mechanical 12-speed groupset, Shimano continues its tradition of innovation as a pioneer in specialty components for gravel riding into 2023. Rooted in simplicity, reliability and adventure, the new GRX 12-speed range introduces a wider range of gear options combined with unparalleled ergonomics. This enables riders to make the most of any off-road adventure, regardless of location.

With gravel riding in mind, Shimano's GRX mechanical drivetrain has now been upgraded to 12 speeds, bringing excellent performance to any gravel bike without an outrageous price tag. Because gravel riding is all about personal freedom to choose how and where you ride, Shimano GRX offers three unique 12-speed mechanical drivetrain options to cover the full spectrum of riders and rides.

The New Gravel GRX Groupsets

Shimano is launching three different versions of the GRX gravel groupset, namely: 1. ‘Unbeatable’ – 1x12 with 10-45T range 2. ‘Unstoppable’ – 1x12 with 10-51T range 3. ‘Undroppable’ – 2x12 with 11-36T range

1. Unbeatable - Shimano GRX 1x12 Gravel Groupset with 10-45T Range

Riders who are passionate about breaking personal records or competing in intense races will appreciate the 'Unbeatable' RX820 1x12 setup. This setup includes a 10-45 cassette paired with a 40- or 42-tooth chainring. Like its 11-speed predecessor, the RX820 offers smooth and reliable shifting. However, the gear range has been increased and an extra sprocket has been added to help you find the ideal cadence to maintain your position in the peloton. The configuration uses the RD-RX822-GS mid-cage rear derailleur, specifically designed for the 10-45T cassette. It also features Shimano's integrated Shadow RD+ chain tensioner, which ensures smooth shifting and safe chain management even in rough terrain.

FC-RX820-1 Crankset:

• 1x12-speed
• Crank arm lengths: 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
• Chainring options: 40T, 42T
• Shimano Hollowtech II
• Weight: 655 grams (172.5 mm with 40T chainring)

RD-RX822-GS Rear Derailleur:

• Shimano Shadow RD+ chain stabiliser
• Max cassette range: 45T
• Interchangeable, replaceable GS/SGS derailleur cage
• Weight: 290 grams

CS-M8100-12 Cassette:

• Type of freehub body: Micro Spline
• 10-45T range
• Weight: 461 grams

2. UNSTOPPABLE - Shimano GRX 1x12 with 10-51T

For day trips or multi-day tours with lots of climbing, the new RX820 1x12 'Unstoppable' option features Shimano's wide 10-51T cassette along with a 40- or 42-tooth chainring. This setup delivers optimum climbing gears for the steepest climbs in the high mountains.

The 'Unstoppable' 1x12-speed setup includes the RD-RX822-GSG long-cage rear derailleur and integrated Shadow RD+ chain stabiliser optimised for use with the 10-51T cassette.

New for this generation of GRX is the possibility of changing the cage between the 1x12 options. This means that you don't have to buy a whole new rear derailleur if you want to change your cage or gear ratio.

Shimano also brings its proven Micro Spline freehub body for mountain bikes to the world of gravel with both of the GRX 1x12 mechanical setups. These lightweight aluminium bodies integrate seamlessly with the 10-tooth sprocket and feature smaller, more widely spaced teeth to reduce wear over time.

FC-RX820-1 Crankset:

• 1x12-speed
• Crank arm lengths: 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
• Chainring options: 40T, 42T
• Shimano HOLLOWTECH II
• Weight: 655 grams (172.5 with 40T chainring)

RD-RX822-SGS Rear Derailleur:

• 12-speed
• Shimano Shadow RD+ Chain stabiliser
• Max cassette range: 51T
• Interchangeable, replaceable GS/SGS derailleur cage
• Weight: 288 grams

CS-M8100-12 Cassette:

• Type of freehub body: Micro Spline
• 10-51T
• Weight: 470 grams

3. UNDROPPABLE - Shimano GRX 2x12

For cyclists looking to combine the best of both worlds, the new 2x12 RX820 introduces the 'Undroppable' drivetrain. This setup uses specially gravel-optimised 48/31T chainrings, paired with an 11-34T or 11-36T cassette. This creates an extremely wide range of gears, perfect for keeping pedalling comfortably on flat roads, effortlessly conquering unpaved trails or tackling tough climbs in remote areas.

This option offers precise mechanical shifting performance at both the front and rear, supported by the integrated SHADOW RD+ chain stabiliser for optimal drivetrain reliability, even on bumpy terrain. Moreover, it maintains a tight incremental distribution of cassette sprockets at the rear, which is ideal for subtle changes in cadence during races and challenging group rides on weekends. This 2x12 setup integrates seamlessly with most existing 700c wheels, thanks in part to the use of the proven HG freehub body.

FC-RX820-2 Crankset:

• 2x12-speed
• Crank arm lengths: 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
• Chainring combination: 48-31T
• Shimano HOLLOWTECH II construction
• Weight: 721 grams (172.5 with 48/31T chainrings)

RD-RX820 Rear Derailleur:

• 12 speed
• Shimano Shadow RD+ chain stabiliser
• Max cassette range: 36T
• Weight: 270 grams

FD-RX820 Front Derailleur:

• 2x12-speed
• Design offers more options for cable routing
• Wider tyre clearance: Chainline +2.5 mm compared to conventional road FD
• Precise and simple adjustment with integrated tension adjustment
• Weight: 95 grams

CS-R8100-12 and CS-HG710-12 Cassette:

• CS-R8100-12 range: 11-34T
  
  • Weight: 345 grams
  • Type of freehub body: HG and HG L2
• CS-HG710-12 range: 11-36T
  
  • Weight: 391 grams
  • Type of freehub body: HG and HG L2

 

Shifters - Updated Ergonomics and Improved Brakes

The ergonomics of the GRX are further enhanced by the redesigned combination of shifters and brakes. Offering seamless shifting through 12 gears with no extra bulk, the RX820 series is specifically designed for long-term comfort when using wide handlebars, a crucial aspect of gravel cycling. By minimising pressure points and increasing surface area, it reduces hand fatigue and allows you to maintain more control when pushing your limits.

The new GRX shift/brake levers ensure smooth and responsive mechanical shifting over 12 gears. While the left lever of the 'Undroppable' 2x12 GRX groupset offers Shimano's unrivalled smooth front derailleur shifting, the new 1x12 groups include features first introduced on the original GRX. There is a brake lever only model and a dedicated dropper post option that seamlessly integrates braking with dropper seatpost operation.

ST-RX820-R/L - Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL Lever:

• Ergonomic brake lever and bracket specifically for tough terrain
• Optimised for use with flared handlebars
• Anti-slip coating on brake lever surface
• Light and responsive mechanical shifting
• Weight: 572.5 grams (2x12 ST set)
• Weight: 511.2 grams (1x12 ST set)

ST-RX820-LA - Hydraulic Disc Brake and Dropper Lever:

• Left brake and dropper post lever
• Brake lever and clamp ergonomics designed for rough terrain
• Optimised for use with flared handlebars
• Anti-slip coating on brake lever surface
• Weight: 263 grams

BL-RX820-L - Hydraulic Disc Brakes Only:

• Left brake lever
• Ergonomic brake lever and clamp
• Optimised for use with flared handlebars
• Anti-slip coating on brake lever surface
• Weight: 222 grams

GRX 610 12-Speed Groupset

To cater for price-conscious consumers and to enable a wider price range for complete gravel bikes, Shimano has also redesigned the 600-series cranks and shifters for both 1x12 and 2x12 configurations, using technology from the original 800-series GRX component line.

Key features include textured caps and a non-slip coating on the brake levers for improved control on rough terrain. The new cranksets offer gearing options specifically designed for gravel riding. The RX610 2x12 crankset is equipped with 46/30 chainrings and is available in four different crank lengths: 165 mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm and 175 mm. The RX610 1x12 crankset has the same four arm lengths and is available with durable 38T steel chainrings (a new option) and 40T chainrings to combine with a 10-45T or 10-51T cassette.

FC-RX610-1 Crankset:

• 1x12-speed
• Crank arm lengths: 165 mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
• Chainring options: 38T and 40T
• Weight: 815g (with 40T chainring)
  

  FC-RX610-2 Crankset:

• 2x12-speed
• Crank arm lengths: 165 mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
• Chainring combination: 46-30T
• Weight: 815g (with 46/30T chainrings)

ST-RX610-R/L - Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL Lever:

• Ergonomic brake lever and clamp specifically for tough terrain
• Anti-slip coating on brake lever surface
• Light and responsive mechanical shifting
• Weight: 611 grams (2x12 set)
• Weight: 542 grams (1x12 set)

BL-RX610-L - Hydraulic Disc Brakes Only:

• Left brake lever
• Gravel-specific ergonomics for brake lever
• Anti-slip coating on brake lever surface

RX880 Carbon Gravel Wheels

Alongside the GRX mechanical components, Shimano is also introducing a redesigned carbon gravel wheel designed specifically for the rigours of off-road riding. The new RX880 wheelset is a whopping 64g lighter per pair than its predecessor and has the same shallow 32mm rim height for faster acceleration and climbing. The RX880 wheels are tubeless ready and have a progressive 25mm inner rim width suitable for tyres from 32mm to 50mm wide. Carbon gravel wheels are the perfect upgrade for every Gravelbike!

WH-RX880-TL Carbon Tubeless Wheels:

• Directly engaging freehub
• Rim height: 32mm
• Inner width: 25mm
• Full carbon rim
• Recommended tyre size: 32-50mm
• Switchable freehub body - switch between MICRO SPLINE and HG L2
  (Note: not compatible with 11-speed HG cassettes)
• Weight: 1394 grams (Micro Spline)
• Weight: 1397 grams (HG L2)

Check out the new 12-speed gravel groupset here: