Shimano GRX Di2 1x12: One New Electronic Gravel Build for Extrema Italia
Carlo Donadoni
Shimano GRX Di2 1x12: One New Electronic Gravel Build for Extrema Italia
The arrival of Shimano’s GRX Di2 1x12 brings a fresh electronic option to our gravel line-up. And we’ve chosen to launch it where it makes the most sense: on the Extrema Italia — our most capable platform for adventure, racing, and everything in between.
Why GRX Di2 on the Extrema Italia?
This new version of GRX builds on Shimano’s proven off-road Di2 shifting with a (now) fully wireless system and a wide-range 12-speed drivetrain. The standout feature is the 10–51 cassette: it’s generous, intuitive, and — in our view — perfectly aligned with the spirit of the Extrema Italia.
If Extrema is our “almost MTB” bike — designed for tough, technical terrain without sacrificing speed or efficiency — then this drivetrain is its natural match. Clean, low-maintenance, and geared for steep climbs or fully loaded adventures.
Highlights of the GRX Di2 1x12 System
Fully wireless: each component in the GRX Di2 1x12 system is independently powered, meaning no power cables run through the frame — just a clean, modern build with fully wireless shifting.
Shadow RD+ rear derailleur: with a built-in clutch and capacity for up to 51 teeth, it ensures quiet, stable shifting on rough terrain.
Flared-bar ergonomics: GRX shifters are shaped explicitly for off-road control, with programmable buttons and Shimano’s refined tactile feedback.
New Build, Same Extrema DNA
This new build doesn’t change what makes the Extrema Italia unique. Handmade and painted in Italy, and designed to take on the most demanding gravel courses in the world — from Badlands to your local backcountry loop — it’s a platform built to evolve.
Now, with GRX Di2, it gains a new level of ride feel: smooth, silent, and intuitively responsive, especially in long, technical terrain.