Nicola Rutzou
Component giant Shimano has made yet another addition to the GRX gravel range with the launch of new RX717 components. We’re not sure why the Japanese component manufacturer has released its most recent gravel components in dribs and drabs, with this latest release including three new brake/shift levers and a rear derailleur.
Shimano says these new components, “bring robust Di2 electronic shifting to more gravel riders than ever before.”
Regardless of the timing, the increase in Shimano’s GRX range indicates the company has a strong commitment to producing gravel components and obviously sees growth in this arena.
This new series of 12-speed GRX components utilises SHIMANO’s Di2 electronic shifting platform. The RX717 range includes a right-side DUAL CONTROL lever, two left-side brake-only lever options (one GRX-branded, the other SHIMANO-branded), and the GRX RX717 rear derailleur.
Like all Shimano electronic Di2 systems, the RX717 derailleur and RX715 DUAL CONTROL lever are compatible with SHIMANO’s E-TUBE application. When paired, it allows riders to choose their preferred shifting speed, customise shift buttons, and update rear derailleur firmware.
Shimano says that “The new GRX RX717 line-up extends Shimano’s commitment to making gravel-specific performance more accessible.”
Nicola Rutzou – a long-time contributor and, most recently, the editor of Bicycling Australia. Nicola is a keen Sydney-based road cyclist who writes reviews, news, and destination pieces, as well as the weekly e-newsletter for BA online.
