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Shimano expands CUES drivetrain with drop bar options

The affordable and durable drivetrain is now compatible for for road, gravel, and touring bikes

Shimano has introduced drop bar options to its CUES drivetrain system, expanding compatibility for road, gravel, and touring bikes. The new components include shifters, derailleurs, and cranksets for 9-, 10-, and 11-speed setups, offering the durability and longevity of Shimano’s Linkglide technology in a drop bar configuration.

Linkglide is a more durable drivetrain, which Shimano says lasts three times as well as some of its higher-end groups.

When Shimano’s “Create Unique ExperienceS” (CUES) came out in 2023, it was a more affordable option for 9/10/11 speed bike–but for flat bars. With this latest update, it opens up all sorts of options for riders who want to use their drop bars with the lower-priced gear.

The new option is a boon for commuters or those wanting an affordable option for gravel bikes. Now, you can mix and match between drop bar and flat bar components, at a very affordable price point.

With these additions, Shimano expands the versatility and durability of the CUES system, making it accessible to a broader range of riders while simplifying compatibility across different drivetrain speeds.

A new rear derailleur and rotor have been introduced for small-wheel bikes, optimizing shifting and braking performance for kids bikes.

Shifters and brake levers

The new drop bar CUES shift/brake levers (ST-R401, ST-R601, and ST-R801) include hydraulic disc brake models such as the ST-R801 (11-speed), ST-R601 (10-speed), and ST-R401 (9-speed), as well as mechanical disc brake and rim brake models like the BL-R601 (10-speed mechanical disc/rim brake) and BL-R401 (9-speed mechanical disc/rim brake). Designed with ergonomics in mind, these levers share a similar shape and reach with Shimano’s higher-end road levers. The hydraulic versions provide optimized modulation and braking power, while the mechanical versions ensure reliable and consistent braking performance.

Rear derailleurs and drivetrain compatibility

The new CUES drop bar derailleurs—RD-U8010 (11-speed), RD-U6010 (10-speed), and RD-U4010 (9-speed)—incorporate Linkglide, enhancing cassette and chain longevity while delivering smoother shifting under load.

 

Cranksets and gear ratios

Shimano has introduced cranksets compatible with drop bar setups, including 1x options with 40T and 42T chainrings and 2x configurations offering 46/32T and 48/34T combinations. These cranksets are designed to work with Linkglide cassettes, ensuring improved shifting and durability.

 

ESSA expansion for 8-Speed drop bar bikes

Shimano is also extending its budget-friendly ESSA line by introducing 8-speed drop bar-compatible shifters and derailleurs, along with hydraulic and mechanical brake lever options. These components are tailored for entry-level road, fitness, and touring bikes.

All prices are in U.S., Canadian prices are not available at this time.

Shimano CUES 1 x 11, US$896
Shimano CUES 2 x 10 US$891