Shimano launches CUES, consolidates 9, 10 and 11 speed drivetrains

Shimano has launched an entirely new component range, CUES, developed to consolidate its 9, 10 and 11 speed components, designed specifically for the everyday rider, with the aim of improving compatibility and versatility across the range.

The Japanese brand states that CUES delivers a streamlined mid-tier component line-up, which has been designed from the ground up to deliver maximum drivetrain compatibility – common components used across 9, 10 and 11 speed – reducing overall complexity, creating clear compatibility across groups.

CUES, an exclusively recreational rider focused component line, replaces Tiagra, Sora, Claris, Deore, Alivio, Acera and Altus components with one unified product platform.

The launch announcement puts maximum emphasis on durability, claiming to be the brands most durable drivetrain technology.

Engineered and branded as part of the Shimano Linkglide design approach, this is said to extend a component’s overall lifespan and deliver a smooth shifting experience for both analog and electric bikes. Linkglide design technologies already exists in eMTB specific product, having debuted in 2021.

With taller and thicker cassette teeth, providing additional surface area is said to prevent the chain from skipping and better distribute pedalling forces, preventing premature wear due to shifts from novice riders.

Cassettes and chains engineered this way will be of specific interest for workshops supporting a growing number of riders on high-torque e-bikes, whilst the focus on 9, 10, 11 speed channels this largely toward a ‘cycling as transport’ customer, whilst also supporting a section of MTB and eMTB riders.

Engineering in maximum versatility means ‘select components’ can be intermixed across more user groups and riding styles, opening up new possibilities for component spec combinations.

Here Shimano highlights that the line-up features unified sprocket spacing across 9, 10, and 11-speed drivetrains, so that components can be intermixed across a wider range of user groups and riding styles.

Shimano UK distributor Madison will be showing the CUES range at iceBike* – the first time anyone in Europe will be able to see the range of components in person.

The annual IceBike* event, hosted at two locations, offers more localised opportunity for dealers in the south and the north to attend, for the first time.

Registration for events to be hosted at Manchester’s Velodrome and London’s Tobacco Dock can be completed here.

The Manchester Velodrome will be occupied on Sunday March 5th and Monday 6th, with the Sunday opening day also a first for the show, coming as a response to feedback from previous attendees.

The London venue will host the distributor’s brands on March 9th and 10th.