After rolling out a new element of its top-tier GRX gravel group over the summer, Shimano is expanding its wireless multi-surface groupset to a more accessible price point. GRX RX717 takes the technology of GRX Di2, and Deore Di2, and brings it to riders at an easier-to-manage price.
Shimano GRX Di2 RX717: Wireless for everyone, everywhere
Accessibility isn’t just about price. Shimano’s GRX RX717 group opens a new, more approachable price-point up to any rider who want wireless shifting, not just those with an expensive new direct-mount frame. Since Shimano’s new wireless group uses a standard derailleur mount (instead of SRAM’s direct mount), GRX Di2 RX717 will work with basically any frame you’re already riding. So, while RX717 is still not inexpensive – it is still a wireless groupset, even if it helps lower the price point of that realm – it can make going wireless possible without investing in a whole new frameset.
New price, familiar tech
Like the top-end GRX released over the summer, GRX RX717 is a merger of Shimano’s tech from its mountain bike Di2 wireless group and it’s semi-wireless road groupsets. That mean’s drop bar controls with the fully-wireless GRX rear derailleur that is, in construction, nearly identical to the existing Deore Di2 mountain bike rear derailleur.
The derailleur includes all the tech from the high-end GRX (and XTR) mech, with more cost-effective materials. It continues to have a low-profile design, weather-protected battery and the impressive Automatic Impact Recovery function. We’ve tested both XTR, XT and GRX top groups, including the impact recovery function, and come away impressed. It’s great to see this tech come down to a second tier of GRX groups to match the trio of mountain bike offerings.
Like the more expensive GRX, RX717 is compatible with all of Shimano’s 12-speed wireless shifters (GRX, Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105 Di2, as well as XTR, Deore XT and Deore). Since it uses the same HG+ chain/cassette technology as existing mechanical and Di2 1x groups from the brand, it’s also compatible with current GRX set-ups. That means upgrades to wireless are possible with fewer new components, not necessarily a completely new group.
If you’re looking to get into GRX Di2 with an all-new set-up, though, Shimano has all the bases covered. That includes new Dual Control Di2 levers, both GRX branded and Shimano branded, so you can more easily match any existing components you have, and the new…
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