Almost 2 years ago, Shimano introduced Linkglide.
With lots of new innovations focusing on life span which is theoretically three times longer and shifting smoothness and performance.
Whilst this was great news for EMTBers, it did mean that the vast and expansive shimano range became even more convoluted with Alivio, Acera, Altus, Deore, XT and some road only options like Tiagra, Sora and Claris.
Shimano CUES (Create Unique ExperienceS - Hopefully more time was spent in development than in naming), effectively introduces versatility with simplicity and fortunately adds in Durability by being built around the Linkglide technology.
One of the primary changes with Linkglide was taller and thicker cassette teeth, providing additional surface area. This mitigates the chain from skipping and distributes pedaling forces to prevent premature wear due to shifts from new and experienced riders. (Though it doesn't mean it's completely idiot proof. If you still bang through the gears with zero mechanical sympathy, you will introduce massively increased component fatigue despite what Shimano say).
For EMTB's this will mean that even bikes equipped with lower tier components, you'll still benefit from the extended component lifespan with Linkglide introduces– Cassettes and chains built to withstand consistent daily wear and tear of both analog and high-torque e-bike use.
What does this all mean with regard to components, interchangeability and simplicity ?
The new CUES system introduces 9/10/11 speed groupsets which all use the same chains (any existing Shimano 11 speed chain is compatible), have the same spacing and the same pull ratios.
Common 13T derailleur pulleys are introduced and cassette sprockets are all the same. CUES 13 and 11 speed cogs will be available as aftermarket replacement parts no matter what speed system you have on your bike.
The CUES system will be compatible with existing linkglide systems, however, it won't be compatible with Hyperglide systems as they use a different pull ratio.
One of the primary reasons to develop and introduce CUES was to make like far simpler for Manufacturers. It much easier and more efficient to hold stock of items if they're interchangeable, reduces many supply issues and from Shimano's end, hopefully keeps customers in house rather than searching for cheaper and more readily available components from alternative manufacturers. The trickle down will be that it will become easier for us and bike shops to maintain bikes.
10 and 11 Speed CUES derailleurs come equipped with a clutch, which the 9 speed has to make do with an uprated spring.
Would have been nice if they'd introduced the little cable nozzle sleeve after the barrel adjuster from some of the XT systems which stops the cable from snagging and wearing, but it doesn't look like it's there.
With lots of new innovations focusing on life span which is theoretically three times longer and shifting smoothness and performance.
Whilst this was great news for EMTBers, it did mean that the vast and expansive shimano range became even more convoluted with Alivio, Acera, Altus, Deore, XT and some road only options like Tiagra, Sora and Claris.
Shimano CUES (Create Unique ExperienceS - Hopefully more time was spent in development than in naming), effectively introduces versatility with simplicity and fortunately adds in Durability by being built around the Linkglide technology.
One of the primary changes with Linkglide was taller and thicker cassette teeth, providing additional surface area. This mitigates the chain from skipping and distributes pedaling forces to prevent premature wear due to shifts from new and experienced riders. (Though it doesn't mean it's completely idiot proof. If you still bang through the gears with zero mechanical sympathy, you will introduce massively increased component fatigue despite what Shimano say).
For EMTB's this will mean that even bikes equipped with lower tier components, you'll still benefit from the extended component lifespan with Linkglide introduces– Cassettes and chains built to withstand consistent daily wear and tear of both analog and high-torque e-bike use.
What does this all mean with regard to components, interchangeability and simplicity ?
The new CUES system introduces 9/10/11 speed groupsets which all use the same chains (any existing Shimano 11 speed chain is compatible), have the same spacing and the same pull ratios.
Common 13T derailleur pulleys are introduced and cassette sprockets are all the same. CUES 13 and 11 speed cogs will be available as aftermarket replacement parts no matter what speed system you have on your bike.
The CUES system will be compatible with existing linkglide systems, however, it won't be compatible with Hyperglide systems as they use a different pull ratio.
One of the primary reasons to develop and introduce CUES was to make like far simpler for Manufacturers. It much easier and more efficient to hold stock of items if they're interchangeable, reduces many supply issues and from Shimano's end, hopefully keeps customers in house rather than searching for cheaper and more readily available components from alternative manufacturers. The trickle down will be that it will become easier for us and bike shops to maintain bikes.
10 and 11 Speed CUES derailleurs come equipped with a clutch, which the 9 speed has to make do with an uprated spring.
Would have been nice if they'd introduced the little cable nozzle sleeve after the barrel adjuster from some of the XT systems which stops the cable from snagging and wearing, but it doesn't look like it's there.
