Originally Posted by
Koyote
Better is what way? My Ultegra disc brakes have tremendous stopping power, but the modulation could be better. Is that where GRX excels?
I have a road bike with DA 9120 that has been my own gold standard for drop bar braking. Everything gets compared to them. When I installed the GRX I immediately knew that they were superior in every way.
Full disclosure I have never tried mechanical GRX so this is based on the Di2 version only.
According to what I have read Shimano improved the braking force, modulation, and even made it so the brake pads retract a little further to prevent brake rotor rub. The calipers are the same basic shimano flat mounts as others have said, no big surprises there. The GRX also gets shipped with the new compound L03a brake pads. Put it all together and the GRX braking is amazing. The ergonomics are better, the power is there, and it now has better modulation to control it.