GRX or Ultegra Brif...
 

GRX or Ultegra Brifters

9 Posts
9 Users
16 Reactions
650 Views
Posts: 4800
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Presuming they both cost the same, have the same finned pads is there much between them?

Is the GRX more powerful?

Cheers,

Mark

 
Posted : 16/11/2024 9:21 pm
blackhat and blackhat reacted
 Aidy
Posts: 2909
Free Member
 

Depends on the GRX? GRX is a whole range in itself - there's at least 3 different levels (plus the Di2 options).

 
Posted : 16/11/2024 9:27 pm
Posts: 7039
Free Member
 

I have mechanical grx 820(?) on one bike, fairly old Ultegra (8000 series?) on another. GRX is lush.

 
Posted : 16/11/2024 9:30 pm
 P20
Posts: 4113
Full Member
 

Happy with the ultegra on the road bike. For the gravel bike, the Grx lever shape seems nicer when braking off-road.

 
Posted : 16/11/2024 9:33 pm
Posts: 4800
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks Folks, in my rush I should have clarified …. GRX810 vs. R8020.

 
Posted : 16/11/2024 9:41 pm
Posts: 6851
Free Member
 

I have GRX (812) on the gravel bike but I haven't ever used hydro Ultegra - although I have used rim brake Ultegra for years.

I usually find braking hard with brifters on the hoods makes my finger joints feel like I'm contorting my hand in a way that's both slightly uncomfortable and mechanically disadvantageous. It's not painful or anything, it's just a bit unnatural. Which I think is why the GRX levers are said to be optimised for use on the hoods, and in that respect they certainly feel... fine. Better than the rim brake brifters for sure.

The other thing I definitely notice is that the GRX hoods are deeply, err, ribbed. This is loads better for grip in the wet mud but a bit annoying for using on long (road) rides without gloves in the dry. It's a small difference but I'd definitely prefer some smoother grips overall.

Ultimately I reckon it (unsurprisingly) comes down to what you use the bike for. For long trips of mostly road riding, Ultegra. For a sloppy techy off road mud fest, GRX. For anything in between, realistically either will be fine.

 
Posted : 16/11/2024 11:16 pm
Posts: 207
Full Member
 

For a gravel bike? GRX. Simply for the ergonomics. I just think the hood and lever shapes are so much nicer, for both hoods and drops. Otherwise there's not much in it, but the ergo counts for a lot imo.

 
Posted : 17/11/2024 12:13 am
hightensionline, sillyoldman, sillyoldman and 1 people reacted
Posts: 4225
Free Member
 

I have used both of the levers you mention and agree with others that if it's primarily offorad then GRX ergonomics are slightly better, otherwise ultegra for road.

If you're not sure either way it's pretty marginal though.

 
Posted : 17/11/2024 12:40 am
Posts: 6303
Free Member
 

I find that the GRX rub nicely where the track mitts end on my thumb. Grrrr

 
Posted : 17/11/2024 1:25 pm
andylakes and andylakes reacted
Posts: 24255
Full Member
 

For the gravel bike, the Grx lever shape seems nicer when braking off-road.

This 100%, grx lever shape  is night and day better than shimano road levers, and Sram for that matter. Great for tops and drops too on rough or soft ground

 
Posted : 17/11/2024 8:41 pm