Shimano’s new GRX RX717 brings wireless gravel Di2 to the masses - BikeRadar

Shimano GRX RX717: fully wireless gravel Di2 made more affordable

Shimano has launched the GRX RX717, a more budget-friendly, fully wireless 1x Di2 option that brings premium gravel shifting tech to a wider audience. Positioned alongside Shimano 105 Di2, RX717 is designed to take on SRAM's Rival AXS XPLR at sharper price points while retaining high-end features from the RX827.

Highlights

• Fully wireless 1x Di2 gravel setup aligned with Shimano 105 Di2
• Cross-compatibility with all Shimano 12-speed wireless Di2 shifters (GRX, Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105, plus XTR/Deore XT/Deore flat-bar)
• New RD-RX717 rear derailleur shares battery and design DNA with RX827/XTR/XT/Deore Di2
• Mix-and-match approach with existing GRX 12-speed components and 10-51t cassettes
• Competes directly with SRAM Rival AXS XPLR

What’s included in RX717
Rather than a complete groupset, RX717 adds a new rear derailleur and shifter/brake-lever options that slot into the broader GRX 12-speed ecosystem. You can pair the RD-RX717 with a 10-51 12-speed cassette and your preferred Shimano wireless Di2 shifters.

Right-hand lever (ST-RX715-R)

• Di2 hydraulic dual-control lever with reach adjustment
• Customizable via the E-Tube Project app
• Powered by two CR1632 batteries housed in the hood; Shimano claims up to four years of life

Left-hand lever options

• Brake-only lever with identical ergonomics and 16.4mm reach adjustment
• Available with GRX branding or a Shimano logo

RD-RX717 rear derailleur: tech that trickles down
Inspired by Shimano Deore Di2, the RD-RX717 mirrors the premium RX827’s feature set:

• Automatic Impact Recovery returns the mech to position after a knock
• Wide-link structure and skid plate for strength and protection
• Shadow ES low-profile design with clutch for chain stability
• Protected, easy-access internal battery housing
• Uses the same compact removable battery as GRX RX827, XTR M9250, Deore XT M8250, and Deore M6250 (easy to source, easy to share between bikes)

Shimano GRX RX717 vs SRAM Rival AXS XPLR

• Drivetrain format: RX717 is 12-speed; Rival AXS XPLR is presented here as 13-speed with UDH-only frame compatibility
• Derailleur weight: Shimano 494g vs SRAM 435g
• Derailleur pricing: Shimano £379.99 vs SRAM £315
• Lever weights: Shimano claims 212g (right) and 188g (left) for levers only; SRAM lists 746g per pair for shifter/brake assemblies, with some reports suggesting ~244g per lever
• Pricing landscape: SRAM appears to maintain an aftermarket price advantage, but Shimano’s OEM strength should make complete bike pricing highly competitive

Official RX717 pricing (MSRP/SRP)

• RD-RX717-SGS rear derailleur: 494g; €379.99 / £379.99 / $435 / $583.99 AUD
• ST-RX715-R right lever: 212g; €209.99 / £219.99 / $230 / $394.99 AUD
• BL-RS717-L left brake lever: 188g; €174.99 / £179.99 / $205 / $363.99 AUD

Why it matters
RX717 brings Shimano’s latest wireless gravel Di2 tech to more riders, with broad cross-compatibility, proven MTB-derived durability, and smart customization via E-Tube. Expect to see it widely spec’d on complete bikes and as an approachable upgrade path for gravel riders.

Source: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/shimano-new-grx-rx717