Modified at: Mar 10, 2023
Posted at: Mar 16, 2021
Shimano's GRX series of gravel components can be used in combination with other road bike components, including tips on how to mix and match.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
Shimano’s GRX gravel components are derived from road bikes, so they are highly compatible with road bike parts.
Specifically, the drivetrain is basically officially compatible with the last two generations of components with the same number of steps. Chains and sprockets are shared with road components as long as they have the same number of steps.
When mixing GRX and road components, it is necessary to combine parts with the same number of speeds (gears) as a prerequisite.
The GRX is available in the following three lineups.
Compatible with the current TIAGRA and above componentry for road bikes.
Specific compatibility is as follows
| Model | Model number | Speed | Compatible road bike components |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRX Di2 | RX-815 | 11s | DURA-ACE R9050s, 9070s ULTEGRA R8050s |
| GRX 11 | RX-810, RX-600 | 11s | DURA-ACE R9000 series, 9000 series ULTEGRA R8000 series, 6800 series 105 R7000 series, 5800 series |
| GRX 10 | RX-400 | 10s | TIAGRA 4700s |
When using GRX brakes, only hydraulic brake-compatible models of STI levers for road use will be compatible, since GRX has only a lineup of hydraulic disc brakes.
Shimano 10-speed components include the “new 10-speed” TIAGRA 4700 series and the “old 10-speed” ULTEGRA 6700 series and 105 5700 series, but the GRX 10-speed is compatible with the “new 10-speed” TIAGRA 4700 series.
Be careful about compatibility when choosing Shimano TIAGRA components
TIAGRA componentry is Shimano's top entry grade for road bikes. TIAGRA is easy to choose as a 10-speed grade, one step down from the current higher grade of 11-speed, but you need to be careful when choosing components for compatibility.
Of course, electric (Di2) and mechanical components cannot be combined even at the same speed.
Shimano’s components for road bikes are designed for cross-ratio sprockets, so the maximum number of teeth and capacity of the rear derailleur are smaller than those of components for MTB.
In recent years, GS (middle cage) models are also available in the rear derailleur lineup, but in the case of gravel components, the sprocket may be chosen to be a wide ratio product such as 11-42T for MTB, in which case the maximum tooth count may exceed 40, which cannot be handled even by GS (middle cage) models for road use.
When using a wide-ratio sprocket with a low maximum exceeding 36, choose a GRX rear derailleur straightforwardly.
One more thing to note is that all GRX series STI levers are “hydraulic disc brake only”.
There are two types of disc brakes for road bikes, mechanical and hydraulic, but the mechanical type, which physically closes the caliper by pulling the wire, and the hydraulic type, which closes the caliper by the difference in pressure of the oil filled in the hose, have different structures and cannot be used together.
In addition, Shimano’s components for road use do not have hydraulic rim brakes, so rim brakes cannot be used either.
If you want to convert your road bike to disc brakes, you will need to prepare a disc frame as well as wheels.
Disc brake-equipped road bikes have been on the rise in the past few years. "For those who want to try out disc brakes but don't want to buy a new bike, we've put together a list of the parts you'll need to buy disc brakes and the points to keep in mind when buying.
If you are currently riding a rim-brake road bike and are considering converting to gravel using GRX components, you can save money by using STI levers that are compatible with GRX for road use instead of GRX.
The following STI levers for road use are compatible with GRX components.
| model | GRX model number | speed | compatible road STI levers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRX Di2（Electric Shifting） | RX-815 | 11s | ST-R9170、ST-R8070、ST-R785 |
| GRX 11（Mechanical Shifting） | RX-810、RX-600 | 11s | ST-R9120、ST-R8020、ST-R8025、ST-R7020、ST-R7025、ST-RS685、ST-RS505 |
| GRX 10（Mechanical Shifting） | RX-400 | 10s | ST-R4720、ST-R4725、ST-RS405 |
For Shimano STI lever model numbers, add 50 to the base model number (e.g., ST-9100) to get “Di2”, add 20 to get “for hydraulic brakes”, and add 5 to get “for small hand” *1, so you can remember that the 70s are for “Di2 hydraulic” and the 20s for “mechanical hydraulic”.
*1: Exceptions are made for ST-R785, ST-RS685, ST-RS505, and ST-RS405.
If you want to use STI levers with mechanical shifters and mechanical brakes that are not listed in the table above, for example, ST-R7000 for 105, you can use them with GRX components by using mechanical disc brake calipers only for the brakes.
For Shimano products, you can use BR-RS303 or, although not officially compatible with Shimano products, TRP’s Spyre can be used with GRX components and mechanical STI levers for road use.
Shimano’s GRX for gravel and DURA-ACE for road bikes are compatible with the DURA-ACE R9100 and 9000 series. The latest R9200 series has a 12-speed shifting system, which is currently incompatible with GRX.
| Model | Model number | Speed | Compatible road bike components |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRX Di2 | RX-815 | 11s | DURA-ACE R9050 series, 9070 series |
| GRX 11 | RX-810, RX-600 | 11s | DURA-ACE R9000 series |
*When using GRX brake parts, only DURA-ACE hydraulic compatible parts are compatible.
Shimano’s GRX for gravel and ULTEGRA for road bikes are compatible with the ULTEGRA R8000 and 6800 series. The latest R8100 series has a 12-speed shifting system, which is currently incompatible with GRX.
| Model | Model number | Speed | Compatible road bike components |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRX Di2 | RX-815 | 11s | ULTEGRA, R8050 series |
| GRX 11 | RX-810, RX-600 | 11s | ULTEGRA, R8000 series, 6800 series |
| GRX 11 | RX-810, RX-600 | 11s | ULTEGRA, R8000 series, 6800 series |
*When using GRX brake parts, only ULTEGRA hydraulic compatible parts are compatible.
Shimano’s GRX for gravel and 105 for road bikes are compatible with the 105/R7000 series and 8800 series. The latest R7100 series has a 12-speed shifting system, which is currently incompatible with GRX.
| Model | Model number | Speed | Compatible road bike components |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRX 11 | RX-810, RX-600 | 11s | 105, R7000 Series, 5800 Series |
*When using GRX brake parts, only 105 hydraulic compatible parts are compatible.
Shimano GRX for gravel and TIAGRA for road bikes are only compatible with TIAGRA 4700 series and GRX 10. TIAGRA 4600 series is not compatible because of the old 10 speed.
| Model | Model number | Speed | Compatible road bike components |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRX 10 | RX-400 | 10s | TIAGRA・4700s |
*When using GRX brake parts, only TIAGRA hydraulic compatible parts are compatible.
Shimano’s GRX for gravel is compatible with road bike components, although they are basically interchangeable.
After buying a new road bike, you will have the option to “combine your original road bike with GRX components to make it a gravel bike”, which will broaden the range of ways to enjoy your bike.
Sponsored Link
Gravel bikes have been rapidly gaining in popularity over the past few years. But what is the difference between a standard road bike and a gravel bike? We have compiled a list of tips on how to recognize a gravel bike and what to look for when choosing one.
Componenent summary of major manufacturers for gravel road
Gravel bikes have been rapidly gaining in popularity over the past few years. While the number of complete bikes has been increasing, component makers have also started to offer specialized components for gravel bikes.
Shimano's GRX lineup of gravel road components and features
The following is a summary of Shimano's GRX lineup of components for gravel roads, its features, and the advantages and disadvantages of choosing GRX.
SENSAH's components for MTB and gravel
This is a summary of Chinese bicycle parts manufacturer SENSAH's components for MTB and gravel. It also includes the equivalent Shimano componentry grade and compatibility with Shimano parts.
Points to check when converting your road bike to gravel road bike
Gravel roads are becoming more and more popular as they can be enjoyed both on paved roads and slightly off-road. In this article, we have compiled a list of points to check when converting your current road bike to gravel.
Three points to keep in mind when changing the size and thickness of your bicycle tires
Tire customization is a fun way to change the riding experience for a cost of about $100. When replacing tires, there are three points to keep in mind when changing the size and thickness of your bicycle tires.
Road bike components that can be combined with GRX for gravel
Shimano's GRX series of gravel components can be used in combination with other road bike components, including tips on how to mix and match.
Shimano's GRX lineup of gravel road components and features
The following is a summary of Shimano's GRX lineup of components for gravel roads, its features, and the advantages and disadvantages of choosing GRX.
Road bike components that can be combined with GRX for gravel
Shimano's GRX series of gravel components can be used in combination with other road bike components, including tips on how to mix and match.
Points to check when converting your road bike to gravel road bike
Gravel roads are becoming more and more popular as they can be enjoyed both on paved roads and slightly off-road. In this article, we have compiled a list of points to check when converting your current road bike to gravel.
Componenent summary of major manufacturers for gravel road
Gravel bikes have been rapidly gaining in popularity over the past few years. While the number of complete bikes has been increasing, component makers have also started to offer specialized components for gravel bikes.
Advantages and disadvantages of front single
The "front single" without front shifting is being increasingly adopted in MTB and gravel road bikes. This section summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the front single.
Features of TPU tubing and advantages and disadvantages of using it on road bikes and MTB
TPU tubes are gaining attention as the third force in bicycle tires. We summarize its features, advantages and disadvantages of using it on road bikes and MTBs, and major manufacturers.
Summary of Shimano mechanical brake levers for MTB and cross bike
Shimano mechanical brake levers are now few and far between. The following is a summary of the current model lineup, specifications, and compatible components.
Summary of electric components for MTB
This section summarizes the types of electric components for MTB and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Types of MTB dropper seatposts from major manufacturers and points to consider when choosing one
The dropper seat post is becoming a "must-have" part for MTB. Here we summarize the lineup, specifications, and features of dropper seatposts for MTB from major manufacturers, as well as a comparison of each manufacturer and points to consider when choosing a dropper seatpost.
SRAM Component Grades and Compatibility Summary for MTB
This section summarizes the grades, features, and compatibility of SRAM's Eagle series of components for MTB, as well as the electric component AXS and the latest component, Eagle Transmission.
SRAM's MTB sprockets and compatibility, summary of points to consider when choosing
SRAM components are being increasingly adopted in entry-grade MTB. In this issue, we summarize SRAM's sprockets for MTB and points to consider when choosing one.
MTB suspension fork interchangeability standard! You definitely want to check when replacing.
When it comes to serious MTB customization, suspension fork upgrades are the way to go. However, there are various standards for MTB suspension forks, and if you choose the wrong one, it may not work at all.
Summary of 12-speed sprockets for MTB that can be used with Shimano Free (HG spline)
We have put together a 12-speed sprocket that is not part of Shimano's 12-speed lineup for MTB. With this one, it is possible to convert to 12-speed with a conventional Shimano free (HG spline) without upgrading the wheels.
Shimano MTB sprocket and wheel (free body) compatibility summary
This section summarizes the compatibility of Shimano's sprockets and wheels (free bodies) for MTB, which are a mixture of old and new standards, the latest Micro Spline and the previous HG spline, and what to look out for when purchasing.
End width? Boost? MTB end standards and what to look out for when buying an MTB.
Detailed explanation of MTB end standards! What is the boost standard? What is the end width that fits your MTB, points to keep in mind when buying an MTB, etc.
MTB wheel standards and how to choose one without fail.
The following is an overview of MTB wheel standards, their compatibility, and how to choose the right wheel for you.
What is a Tire Insert? Advantages and Disadvantages
This section summarizes what tire inserts are and the advantages and disadvantages of using them, which have been attracting attention along with the spread of tubeless tires and have recently been used in professional road racing.
Summary of Shimano disc brake pad types and compatibility
This section summarizes the types of Shimano disc brake pads, the differences between models, and compatible brake calipers.
TPI, Compound, Tread? Understanding Bicycle Tire Specifications
When looking for items to upgrade your road, MTB, or gravel bike tires, technical terms such as TPI, compound, and pattern appear in the descriptions. At first glance, tire specifications may seem difficult to understand, but if you keep only the important details in mind, your tire selection will be enhanced.
What is a torque wrench? Advantages and disadvantages of torque management
A torque wrench is a useful tool to have if you want to properly maintain your road bike or MTB. The following is a summary of what a torque wrench is and the advantages and disadvantages of torque management.
The bead won't come up! How to raise the bead on tubeless tires
Bead raising" is an essential task with tubeless tires. However, there are times when it is easy to raise the bead, and other times when it does not raise at all despite your best efforts. In this issue, we will introduce a method to raise the bead of a tubeless tire that will not raise, considering the cause.
What is bicycle disc rotor distortion? What causes it and how to correct the distortion
If you hear a strange "shuffling" noise coming from the disc rotor area of your disc brake bicycle, it could be disc rotor distortion. This section summarizes why disc rotor distortion occurs and how to correct the distortion.
Tubeless is reassuring to have! Summary of air pumps with booster/boost function
The booster simplifies bead raising, which is the most difficult part of tubeless installation. We have compiled a list of air pumps with booster(boost functions) that are reassuring to have one.
What is hookless rim? Advantages, Disadvantages and Points to Consider When Choosing
Many "hookless rim" wheels are lightweight and cost-effective. What is hookless? We have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of hookless, as well as points to keep in mind when choosing.
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels?
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels? We have compiled a list of points to note when choosing a wheel.