Shimano has launched the GRX RX717 Di2, a wireless 1x12-speed gravel groupset that delivers electronic shifting at roughly 35% less than its premium RX827 counterpart through strategic component rebranding rather than new development.
Announced on 16 December 2025, the RX717 combines the proven Deore M6250 MTB rear derailleur with 105 Di2 road levers, creating an accessible entry point to Shimano's wireless ecosystem while maintaining full compatibility across the brand's 12-speed Di2 families.
Smart repackaging delivers genuine savings
The heart of the system is the RD-RX717 rear derailleur, a direct rebadge of the Deore M6250 MTB unit. At 494g, it handles 10-51T cassettes through Shimano's Hyperglide+ technology, with Shadow ES low-profile design and Automatic Impact Recovery protecting against trail impacts. The wireless battery delivers multi-week battery life depending on use.
Pricing starts at $435/£379.99 for the rear derailleur alone – roughly £50 less than the RX827 equivalent. A complete kit including derailleur, levers, battery and charger runs approximately $1,030/€950, representing that headline 35% saving.
The lever pairing adopts 105-level Di2 electronics paired with GRX-style hood shapes. The right-hand RX715 dual-control lever (212g) handles both hydraulic braking and Di2 shifting via two wireless buttons, while the left RS717 brake-only lever (188g) keeps things simple for 1x setups. Both run on CR1632 coin cells lasting 3.5-4 years and offer full E-Tube Project app customisation for shift speed and satellite button programming.
Mix-and-match compatibility expands options
The RX717's key advantage lies in Shimano's cross-category wireless interoperability. Riders building a 1×12 setup around RX717 are likely to choose a wide-range 10–51T Micro Spline MTB cassette such as Shimano’s Deore M6100, SLX M7100, or similar since RX717 is designed for that range and uses Micro Spline spacing. This can be paired with a GRX 1×12-compatible chainset like the RX610 in 38–40T options for broad gravel gearing..
This positions the RX717 between mechanical GRX (roughly $500) and premium electronic options, matching Rival AXS XPLR pricing with MTB-derived durability advantages.
For riders eyeing wireless shifting without premium prices, or those considering 2x-to-1x conversions, the RX717 delivers proven technology in a more accessible package. It's not revolutionary engineering, but sometimes the smartest move is repackaging what already works.
Image credits: Shimano
