12-speed Shimano GRX, new Pivot enduro bike, Wilier Adlar gravel bike and features

The best tech news stories from this week

Suvi Loponen

Sep 2 2023

Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most exciting news stories in the world of gravel and mountain biking. This week, the news has definitely been dominated by Shimano, which has taken the gravel riding experience to the next level with the launch of its GRX RX820, a mechanical 12-speed groupset that brings enhanced performance to off-road adventures - with an extra cog. The Wilier Adlar is already rocking the brand new groupset, and we've also had a look at the Sunringle's latest release, Pivot's new enduro bike and bar ends.

Shimano introduces new mechanical 12-speed GRX

Shimano has officially unveiled the GRX mechanical 12-speed groupset, and the update includes three configurations catering to different styles: two 1x setups and one 2x. The new range includes updated derailleurs and shifters. It also brings in the Microspline-freehub body from the MTB world.

The "Unbeatable" variant offers a 10-45 cassette with a 40- or 42-tooth chainring, ideal for competitive races. The "Unstoppable" version provides a 10-51T cassette and aims at longer adventures. The 2x "Undroppable" offers versatile riding experiences with 48/31T front chainrings and 11-34T or 11-36T cassette. The pricing starts at £1,349 for the GRX 12-speed groupsets - and there is also a more budget-friendly 12-speed 600-series available.

Wilier's new Adlar gravel bike is built for adventure

Wilier has introduced the Adlar gravel bike, designed to excel in adventurous endeavors with its mountain bike-inspired geometry. The carbon fibre frame is reinforced to support a maximum additional load of 35kg and the geometry includes a lengthy reach, a short stem, and a 70-degree head angle for a relaxed ride. Adding even more plush to the setup, the bike can take up to 29x2.0in (50mm) tires and is compatible with suspension forks up to 40mm travel. The Adlar comes in five sizes and builds (including one with the 12-speed Shimano GRX), starting at €3,700 (£3,180).

Sunringle's new SR329/327 wheels get new rim profiles

Sunringle has launched two new wheelsets not only in the usual 29in and 650b (or 27.5) sizes as the brand refuses to leave the kids out, as the SR329 and 327 wheelsets will also be available in 26in, 24in, and 20in sizes come the end of the year.

It's not all about a mass of wheel sizes though as these new wheelsets benefit from a whole new rim profile that measures in with a 32mm internal width. The brand says that boosts performance but to dive into it a little deeper, it should support larger tyre volumes much more capably.

Catch up on the news here

Pivot introduces PFR limited edition Firebird

Pivot Cycles has unveiled the Pivot Factory Racing (PFR) Limited Edition Firebird in collaboration with Leatt, the protective gear brand. The Firebird boasts a distinctive split-color design, sharing the aesthetics of BAR's 1999 F1 car. Aimed at enduro enthusiasts, the PFR Limited Edition model is equipped with Reynolds carbon wheels and offers twelve different build options. Components come from Fox, Shimano, and SRAM, and include both air and coil suspension. Limited to 100 units, the Firebird PFR is priced between $9,400 (£7,500) and $12,100.

MTB bar ends - the rise and fall of MTB's earliest trend

MTB bar ends, a trend from the 1990s and early 2000s, have waned in popularity but could still offer benefits for riders. Originally used by pro riders for technical climbing and reducing hand fatigue on endurance rides, bar ends provided different hand positions for better control and weight distribution.

However, their decline is due to factors like increased bar width, leading to snagging risks on forest trails. With modern bikes featuring better suspension and grip, the need for bar ends' fatigue relief has also decreased. Yet, for ultra-endurance riders, open terrain, and long rides, bar ends can still serve a purpose, provided they're used in environments with minimal snag risks.

Author block

Suvi Loponen

Tech writer

Suvi joined off.road.cc in 2022 as a tech writer and brought in her enthusiasm for gravel and long-distance riding. She's a lover of underbiking and exploring on the bike both on and off-road, especially if it means finding more great cafes and some good viewpoints.