been one of our favorites for
heave up into the stand.SHIMANO GRX
GROUPSET PRICES VARYIf any doubts remained that gravel is a
passing fad, they were completely erased
when Shimano released GRX, the world’s
first groupset designed for off-road drop-
bar bikes. Updated hood ergonomics
make them easier to hold on rough ter-
rain, and textured levers are grippy under
gloved hands and when covered in dirt,
mud, and water. Dropper-post aficionados
will appreciate the integrated remote in
the front shifter, and fans of sub brakes—
who mourned their loss with the advent
of hydraulic brakes—will be glad to see
Shimano’s new, hydraulic variety. Even
the rear derailleur options are tailored to
off-road riding, with dedicated medium
or long cage derailleurs—read: there’s no
longer a need to use mountain bike derail-
leurs for large cassettes. Last but not
least, the GRX is available in a wide range
of configurations: electronic, mechanical,
10-speed, 11-speed, 1x, and 2x.Our test team
spends a lot of time
using and abusing
the latest gear,
newest tech, cloth-
ing, and accessories
in an effort to peel
back the layers of
marketing hype and
determine what’s
best for you. We
ride in all conditions
and over all types
of terrain. We train,
race, commute, and
go on social rides
with this gear. Every
product in this sec-
tion has been thor-
oughly vetted, and
only the best of the
best earn the Edi-
tors’ Choice award.
Each product here
represents excep-
tional performance,
value, innovation,
or a combination of
those traits. Simply
put, this is the gear
that works.
ISSUE 1|2020 • BICYCLING.COM 95