Gravel has never been about gatekeeping. It’s about freedom—long dirt roads, uncertain horizons, and equipment that works no matter where the route leads. With the introduction of its new GRX RX717 component family, Shimano is reinforcing that philosophy by bringing fully wireless Di2 electronic shifting to a broader swath of gravel riders than ever before.
Positioned as a more affordable entry point into Shimano’s electronic gravel ecosystem, RX717 expands the GRX lineup with a streamlined 1×12-speed configuration that blends proven Di2 performance with rugged, off-road-focused design. The result is a group of components aimed squarely at riders who want electronic precision without stepping into flagship-level pricing.
Wireless Di2, Gravel-Ready by Design
At its core, RX717 uses Shimano’s latest fully wireless Di2 platform. The system is compatible across Shimano’s 12-speed wireless ecosystem, including GRX, DURA-ACE, ULTEGRA, and 105 Di2 drop-bar shifters, as well as XTR, DEORE XT, and DEORE flat-bar Di2 components. For riders mixing disciplines—or simply upgrading one bike at a time—this cross-compatibility adds welcome flexibility.
The RX717 lineup includes a right-side Di2 DUAL CONTROL lever, two left-side brake-only lever options, and a dedicated RX717 rear derailleur. Paired with a 10–51T 12-speed cassette, the system delivers the range and chain security gravel riders expect, whether the terrain skews toward fast dirt roads or steep, technical climbs.
GRX RX717 Highlights
- Fully Wireless Di2 Platform
Fast, precise electronic shifting with broad compatibility across Shimano’s 12-speed wireless lineup. - MTB-Inspired Durability
The RX717 rear derailleur borrows heavily from Shimano’s mountain bike Di2 architecture, featuring a low-profile design, integrated skid plate, protected battery placement, and Automatic Impact Recovery. - Expanded Component Choice
New lever options allow riders to tailor cockpit setup, ergonomics, and budget without sacrificing performance.
Customizable Control at the Bars
The centerpiece of the cockpit is the GRX 12-speed ST-RX715-R Di2 Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL lever, a right-side-only unit designed specifically for 1× drivetrains. It delivers wireless electronic shifting paired with Shimano’s familiar hydraulic braking performance, wrapped in a refined hood shape optimized for gravel riding.
Ergonomics are adjustable via reach adjustment, while shifting behavior can be customized using Shimano’s E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist app. Power comes from dual CR1632 coin-cell batteries, with an estimated lifespan of up to four years depending on use.
For the left side, Shimano offers two brake-only solutions. The GRX-branded BL-RS717 matches the RX715-R lever’s shape and feel for a cohesive GRX cockpit. Riders already using Shimano road Di2 levers—such as DURA-ACE, ULTEGRA, or 105—can instead opt for the Shimano-branded BL-RS717-LS, which provides identical ergonomics at a lower cost.
ST-RX715-R DUAL CONTROL Lever
- Wireless Di2 connectivity
- Right-side-only shifting and braking
- Two programmable Di2 buttons
- Two replaceable CR1632 batteries (3.5–4 year lifespan)
- MSRP: $230 USD
BL-RS717 Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever (GRX-branded)
- Left-side-only brake lever for 1×12 setups
- Refined hood shape and reach adjust
- MSRP: $205 USD
BL-RS717-LS Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever (Shimano-branded)
- Left-side-only brake lever
- Same ergonomics and feel as GRX version
RX717 Rear Derailleur: Built for Real-World Gravel
Anchoring the drivetrain is the RD-RX717 wireless rear derailleur, engineered for reliability when rides get unpredictable. Drawing directly from Shimano’s latest MTB Di2 designs, it incorporates SHADOW ES technology for improved chain stability, a wide-link structure for stiffness, and a skid plate to deflect trail impacts.
Automatic Impact Recovery is onboard as well, allowing the derailleur to move out of harm’s way during a strike and then return to its original position automatically—an especially valuable feature when riding loaded or far from help.
The removable, rechargeable battery is shared with higher-end GRX RX827, XTR, DEORE XT, and DEORE Di2 rear derailleurs, simplifying spares and swaps across multiple bikes. Shimano estimates a range of approximately 700 to 1,000 kilometers per charge, depending on terrain and conditions.
RD-RX717 Wireless Rear Derailleur
- SHIMANO SHADOW ES technology
- Long-cage SGS design for 10–51T 12-speed cassettes
- Solid pulley construction and integrated skid plate
- Removable rechargeable battery (700–1,000 km range)
- MSRP: $435 USD
A More Inclusive Electronic Gravel Future
As with all Shimano Di2 systems, RX717 integrates seamlessly with the E-TUBE app, allowing riders to fine-tune shifting speed, assign button functions, and keep firmware up to date. More importantly, it reflects a broader strategy: making electronic shifting less of a luxury item and more of a practical option for everyday gravel riders.
With RX717, Shimano isn’t redefining what gravel technology can do—it’s redefining who gets access to it. By combining Di2 reliability, MTB-derived toughness, and more attainable pricing, the new GRX RX717 components underscore Shimano’s belief that gravel performance should be inclusive, adaptable, and ready for wherever the road—or lack of one—leads next.
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