An extra gear, but no batteries for new GRX

Joe Baker takes a first ride on Shimano's new and improved 12-speed gravel groupset

- Joe Baker

Just two weeks ago Shimano updated the GRX line-up to feature 12-speed shifting. Though the addition of the 12th sprocket was no shock, the lack of electronic shifting was surprising - GRX 12 speed is mechanical only.

Shimano has five different versions of the new GRX groupset, with two different set-ups being available at the lower GRX 610 level, and three set-ups on the range-topping GRX 820 level. Both groupsets feature options for one-by and two-by set-ups. I recently put some miles in on the new top-spec GRX 820 one-by group.

Though I only covered around 100 miles on the new groupset during a bike launch in Italy, it was enough to get a good feel for it. The steep climbs and bumpy tracks of Tuscany made for the perfect proving ground and allowed me to put together my first impressions.

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