Shimano introduces new Unbeatable, Unstoppable and Undroppable versions of its gravel groupset

By Liam Cahill

Published: Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 16:00 PM

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Shimano has officially launched its GRX RX820 gravel bike groupset. It’s an all-mechanical 12-speed affair (for now) and features far wider gearing options than before, closing the gap to rivals SRAM and Campagnolo.

The new GRX groupset is only currently available in a mechanical version, with no word on Di2 at the time of launch, although we’d expect that to change in the future.

The second-tier GRX RX610 also moves to 12-speed, maintains 2x and 1x options and gets trickle-down technology from the original 800 series GRX.

Within both GRX tiers, there are three sub-families; Unbeatable, Undroppable and Unstoppable. These are designed to give distinct identities to the three available setups (1x for gravel racing,  2x for all-round gravel riding and a 1x mullet drivetrain) within each tier.

Shimano has also updated its range of gravel wheels. The carbon RX880 uses a 32mm-deep, hooked rim with a 25mm internal width. Shimano says the tubeless-ready wheels are suitable for gravel tyres from 32mm to 50mm wide.

Here we’ll concentrate on all of the tech details, but you can also read the verdict on how it performs in our full Shimano GRX RX820 review. We’ve also covered the release of Shimano’s new 105 mechanical road groupset.

New Shimano GRX RX820 & RX610 | What you need to know

• Mechanical shifting and hydraulic disc brakes only
• 1x and 2x options available
• Three names – Unbeatable, Undroppable and Unstoppable – denote three new GRX groupset options
• 1x groupset starts with a 10t cog
• 1x cassette options include 10-45t and 10-51t
• Cages on RX22-GS and SGS derailleurs are interchangeable
• Second-tier RX610 also goes 12-speed with 1x and 2x options

Updated shifter ergonomics and brakes

Liam Cahill / Our Media

The ergonomics of the shifters have been updated to better match flared bars, which are commonly seen specced on gravel bikes. The signature ridges on the top face of the shifters have been retained and the pattern hasn’t changed. These are designed to aid grip in wet or muddy conditions.

Shimano has also looked to improve the contact angle of the shifter body where it meets the bar. The brand says this change increases the surface area on which hand pressure is applied, reducing the likelihood of hand pain.

Liam Cahill / Our Media

In an interesting collision of the cycling and fishing worlds, Shimano has borrowed tech developed for its fishing rods and applied it to the brake levers.

The material, which feels a little more coarse than you’d usually expect, was developed to increase grip on a rod with wet hands. Because gravel rides can take in a variety of conditions, Shimano hopes the new material will improve confidence in adverse weather.