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 GRX RX717 rear derailleur.

GRX RX717 Levers: Customisable control

At the bars, GRX RX717 uses a Dual Control hydraulic disc lever (ST-RX715-R Di2, in Shimano speak). This allows for reach adjust, uses a CR1632 battery and has customisable shift functions through the e-tube project cyclists app.

Since the 1x system is entirely controlled by the right lever, Shimano offers two left levers. A simplified hydraulic disc lever with no controls is either branded GRX or Shimano branded and, to save weight, is just a brake lever with no electronics inside.

For a simplified and lighter cockpit, pair the ST-RX715-R with the GRX-branded left-side BL-
RS717 Hydraulic Disc Brake lever, which matches the right lever’s ergonomics and adjustability.

Prices are USD 230 for the right lever and USD 205 for either version of the left lever.

GRX Di2 RX717 Rear Derailleur: Off-road ready, gravel optimised

As mentioned, GRX RX717 rear derailleur uses all the technology of other Shimano Di2 1x derailleurs, whether that’s the pricier version of GRX or any of the Di2 mountain bike mechs. The main difference is in construction. Shimano promises around a 700-1,000km range for a charge from its battery for typical gravel conditions.

The rear mech uses Shimano’s new Shadow ES chain stabiliser, an integrated skid-plate and Automatic Impact Recovery to protect your fancy wireless investment. Shimano only offers the long-cage version of the Di2 rear derailleur, which works with any of Shimano’s 10-51t 12-speed cassettes, mountain bike or gravel.

The new GRX RX717 Di2 rear derailleur has a MSRP of USD 435.