May 10, 2019 (Osaka, Japan) – Following a multi-year global market study, product testing and development process, Shimano introduces the world’s first dedicated gravel component line: SHIMANO GRX. New for the 2020 model year, the SHIMANO GRX 800 series offers 1×11 and 2×11 drivetrains – with mechanical and Di2 electronic options – that allow riders to tailor their mixed surface riding experience and Explore Beyond. Shimano’s development team designed well outside traditional confines to create a platform that addresses riders’ needs now and into the future. Built to enable riders to explore beyond normal riding possibilities, SHIMANO GRX urges riders to pursue a wide range of terrain. Be it gravel riding, modern adventure road riding, bikepacking, or fulfilling the needs of discerning cyclocross racers, SHIMANO GRX provides options ranging from gravel-tuned gearing ratios to custom ergonomics, from dropper post integration to gravel-specific GRX wheels with wider rim profiles.

Premium 11-speed drivetrain Shimano GRX employs Shimano’s class-leading drivetrain technologies from both road and mountain bike components to deliver the hallmark shifting precision and stability for which the company is known. With GRX the net result is a smooth and quiet-running drivetrain that is specially tuned for the unique characteristics of gravel terrain, riding positions and gravel bicycle designs. For simplicity, Shimano GRX uses cassettes and chains that already exist in the Shimano lineup. In addition to the category-leading Shimano GRX 800 series, there are also two lower cost 11-speed components: a 600- series crank and set of shifters, which can be mixed seamlessly with 800 level parts.

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