I recently completed a gravel build using a Dolan GXA aluminium alloy frame and a Shimano GRX Di2 groupset (GRX groupset was obtained through Craft Bikes Ltd). The handlebar is a PRO PLT Discover alloy (44cm x 12 deg flare). I added the Shimano SC-MT800 display (yes, it has Bluetooth) and an SW-R600 climbing shifter to the handlebar. I also installed a GRX sub-brake lever assembly (Shimano BL-RX812). The brake system uses Shimano's BR-RX810 GRX hydraulic calipers. Because I used 160mm disc rotors, I required an adapter for the rear assembly (Shimano SM-MA-R160. WARNING: This does NOT come with the rear caliper assembly. You will need to order this if you intend to use a 160mm rotor in the rear. Also be sure you know the width of the frame at the place where the rear caliper is fixed to the frame so you obtain the correct length fixing bolts. See p. 26 of this manual for the genuine Shimano part numbers). With this setup, I am able to control the brake system and chaindrive shifting from the handlebar tops.
The SC-MT800 display has three Di2 ports: one for each shifter (ST-RX815) and the third I used to run a wire downtube to a Shimano SM-JC41 four-port junction box (the wire is encased together with the rear brake hydraulic hose linking the bike frame to the handlebar using heat shrink tubing--following this procedure: part 1 and part 2. In order to run the Di2 wire inside the handlebar for the shifters, I had to drill a hole in the handlebar underside just beside the display unit). This junction box connects up the front and rear derailleurs (FD-RX815 and RD-RX815) as well as the seat tube battery (Shimano BT-DN110). The junction box is carefully packed inside the downtube just above the bottom bracket tube (follow procedure outlined on p.77 of this manual). All Shimano wiring has been encased in Jagwire ZSK600 foam to deaden vibration whilst inside the frame.
The crank is a 2x (FC-RX810-2) because I want the option to go faster if I'm not climbing. The front chainring is 48-31 and the rear cassette is 11-34. For pedals, I used flats: Shimano PD-GR500.
The wheels are 700c Hunt Mason X 4-Season aluminum alloy with Continental Gran Prix 4-Season tires (32mm wide). The handlebar stem and seatpost are produced by Redshift Sports and part of their Shockstop line of vibration absorbing suspension system products. Finally, the saddle is by Selle Anatomica, the R2, a vulcanized rubber saddle that is able to easily withstand water, dirt, and the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Atop the handlebar is a Quadlock to securely hold my smartphone during rides. Total weight: 10.8kg / 23.81 lbs
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Hello Sir!
Really appreciate such a nice article from you. Your set up of the SHIMANO Di2 was definitely one of the sophisticated configurations and we are proud to be able to supply all your SHIMANO Di2 parts.
Very practical configuration for Gravel bike. This is extremely helpful to the community. I do feel there are lack of different configuration examples out there on the internet to help people make up their own mind how they want to set up their Shimano Di2 system.
For example people know if they want to connect SHIMANO Di2 signal to their smart phone they need D-Fly WU111 and connect it to RS910 or EW90A but instead they could just get SC-MT800 or SC-MT9051 and don't need the other 2 parts at all. Plus it also gives you a handy little display on your handlebar!
Again thank you very much for your time and hopefully this will help a lot people out there.