MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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It looks as if Shimano have snuck in a new GRX groupset, the 717. It's 1x12 only & have new brifters & rear mech. but uses the cheaper 610 chainset (not HTII I believe).
Interestingly it's Di2 wireless so, depending on pricing, we might see more affordable Di2 bikes.
https://bike.shimano.com/products/components.series_grx.seriesGeneration_grx_rx710.html
-- Edit --
There's a bit more about it here.
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/products/shimano-releases-affordable-1x-12-speed-grx-di2-components
Just a re-branded deore Di2 mech, but the chainset is Hollowtech AFAIK - uses standard BB etc and has the two pinch bolts.
Rumour of a completely new 3-tier GRX family in a year or two, 13 speed, wireless. This just seems to be filling a (small) gap and/or using up unsold Deore mechs haha
Looks like it's not a whole new groupset, just a new electronic RD and associated levers. I was hoping it would be a more affordable option for anyone who wants to convert to electronic shifting, but this quote from Cycling Weekly suggests it's by no means cheap:
"The 12-speed RX717 range features levers and a rear derailleur that can then be paired with an GRX 1x chainset and a Shimano 10-51t cassette. The hydraulic levers (with calipers) have a RRP of £579.98 for the pair, while the rear mech will cost £379.99. Add in the wireless battery and charger, £39.99 and £29.99 respectively, and you have the a gravel-specific 12-speed wireless 'gear set' for just over £1000."
Merlin are currently selling the GRX 820 2x12 Di2 group set with 42% off which puts it not far off the RRP of the 717.
The 1x12 version is even less (although some components are out of stock at present).
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-grx-rx825-di2-gravel-groupset-2x12-speed-317353.html
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-grx-rx827-di2-wireless-gravel-groupset-1x12-speed-338715.html
but the chainset is Hollowtech AFAIK
I think that the 600/610 cranksets are forged rather than Hollowtech, but I could be wrong.
"Just a re-branded deore Di2 mech, but the chainset is Hollowtech AFAIK - uses standard BB etc and has the two pinch bolts."
Chainset is not Hollowtech as it doesn't have hollow arms, it is a "2 piece design" in Shimano speak.
I think that the 600/610 cranksets are forged rather than Hollowtech, but I could be wrong.
Yes the original 600 chainsets were deffo forged and felt a bit hefty.
That 1x11 mechanical groupset worked so well though. Personally I'd have been more than happy to stick with that if I'd kept my gravel bike.
If you already have grx 1x12 mechanical would this work?
825 brifter £225 https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/shimano-grx-st-rx825-di2-hydraulic-sti-lever
827 rear mech £343 https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/shimano-grx-rd-rx827-di2-12-speed-rear-derailleur
Total £578
I appreciate that you would end up with slightly different shaped lever hoods.
Or do you have to get the 827 shifter, obviously more ££s and I can only find it with brake caliper
You'll need a battery and a charger too.
If you wanted a left hand brake lever to match you could buy this at £167.99 -
Merlin are currently selling the GRX 820 2x12 Di2 group set with 42% off which puts it not far off the RRP of the 717.
Battery in the seat post job still, major downside for a lot of punters.
There still isn’t a fully wireless 2x option for GRX Di2 and I suspect there never will be.