GRX FC-RX600 1x Crankset
The introduction of the Shimano GRX group is a big deal. Not just because it's the industry's first groupset designed specifically for gravel riding and racing, but also because it's the first time Shimano offers a dedicated 1x crankset outside of their mountain bike lineup. For riders seeking the simplicity, reliability, and improved chain retention of a single-ring drivetrain on their gravel or all-road bike, look no further than the GRX FC-RX600 1x Crankset. As you might've guessed, it's designed to work with Shimano's GRX 11-speed gravel group. That being said, it would work just as well if you wanted to throw it on your existing bike that's already equipped with Shimano 11-speed road components.
Shimano spent over two years getting feedback from gravel enthusiasts when developing the groupset that will ultimately tackle dirt and gravel roads and singletrack on drop-bar machines. It learned that rider's wanted the option of 1 or 2x setups, wide gear ranges with low enough gears to tackle tough climbs, and of course, reliability. The GRX FC-RX600 gives you all this, and works flawlessly with the rest of the GRX 11-speed lineup. It also comes in at a much more palatable price than the premium GRX RX810 cranks, albeit with a modest 100g weight penalty.
The crank is constructed of durable, lightweight, and stiff aluminum alloy, and is equipped with a 40t chainring that provides the low gearing needed for tackling tough climbs, without sacrificing too much top end speed when you've got a long descent ahead with a tailwind at your back. The real strong point of a 1x drivetrain, however, is the simplicity and improved chain retention that we mentioned above. This is accomplished in part by