Types and Differences of Shimano 8-Speed Sprockets

Types of Shimano 8-Speed Cassettes

Shimano offers six models of 8-speed cassettes with a total of ten different gear configurations.

Since each model features different gear ratio options, it’s best to narrow down your choice based on your preferred gear combination.

Lineup

CS-HG51-8

A former model from Shimano’s MTB component series, Alivio 8-speed. It features a chrome-plated finish and is hollowed out for weight reduction.

CS-HG400-8

The CS-HG400-8 is part of Shimano’s MTB component lineup, Acera, and the newly released 8-speed groupset “ESSA” (2024). It offers a wide gear range, with a maximum low gear of 45T.

Previously, 8-speed riders had to rely on third-party cassettes for wide-range gearing over 40T. However, with the CS-HG400-8 and ESSA’s RD-U2000 derailleur, it’s now possible to achieve modern MTB-like gearing on an 8-speed drivetrain.

The 11T-45T gear range results in significant jumps between gears, making this cassette ideal for casual city riding, hobby cycling, or riders who can adjust cadence efficiently.

CS-HG50-8

The current cassette for Shimano’s road bike groupset, CLARIS. Made of steel with a nickel-plated finish, it is hollowed out for weight savings.

Offering a wide range of gear options from close-ratio to wide-ratio, the CS-HG50-8 is a top choice for 8-speed setups.

CS-HG50-8 | Shimano

CS-HG41-8

An older 8-speed model from Shimano’s MTB component line, Acera. It features a nickel-plated finish and is lightweight due to its hollowed-out design, similar to the CS-HG50-8.

Only wide-ratio sprockets with 30T or more are available.

CS-HG31-8

An older 8-speed model from Shimano’s MTB component line, Altus. It features a phosphate-coated finish and is also hollowed-out for weight reduction, similar to the CS-HG50-8 and CS-HG41-8.

Only wide-ratio sprockets with 30T or more are available.

CS-HG200-8

An entry-level cassette sprocket from Shimano’s TOURNEY TX series. Designed for MTB use, it features a phosphate coating.

CS-HG200-8 | Shimano

CS-HG300-8

Shimano’s latest 8-speed cassette from the ESSA series, designed for front single setups. With a maximum 45T low gear, it is compatible only with the ESSA RD-U2000 rear derailleur, effectively making it an ESSA-exclusive sprocket.

Due to its ultra-wide gear range, the gear ratio gaps between shifts are large. However, it allows for the construction of ultra-wide-ratio bikes, similar to modern MTBs and gravel bikes, using an affordable 8-speed setup.

CS-HG300-8 | Shimano

Compatibility of Shimano 8-Speed Cassettes

Cassette compatibility depends on two main factors:

1. Wheel (Freehub Body) Compatibility
2. Derailleur Compatibility

Wheel (Freehub Body) Compatibility and Spacer Requirements

All Shimano 8-speed cassettes are compatible with the “HG Spline M” standard, commonly referred to as “Shimano 8-10 speed freehub.” Therefore, HG spline hubs are required for installation.

If mounting an 8-speed cassette onto a 9- or 10-speed freehub, a 1.85mm spacer is necessary.

Where Are the Differences?

Differences in Finish

Shimano’s 8-speed cassettes come in three types:

• Chrome plating (bright silver)
• Nickel plating (dull silver)
• Zinc phosphate (black)

The primary difference is the appearance (color). Both chrome and nickel plating use nickel as the base, but chrome plating has a thicker layer, which helps maintain the metallic shine. Nickel plating, being thinner, results in a darker silver color. Zinc phosphate is not a plating but rather a treatment, giving it a black appearance.

For reference, Shimano’s current road bike cassettes use the following finishes:

• DURA-ACE: Titanium/Nickel plating
• ULTEGRA & 105: Nickel plating

Differences in Gear Range

8-speed MTB cassettes range from 28T to 32T on the largest cog, whereas road-oriented CS-HG50-8 offers a wider range, from 23T to 34T.

If you’re looking for a close-ratio 8-speed cassette, CS-HG50-8 from the CLARIS series is your best bet.

Differences by Model

CS-HG51 vs. CS-HG50

The main differences are the gear combinations and finish (chrome plating vs. nickel plating).

• CS-HG51 is part of Shimano’s MTB Alivio lineup.
• CS-HG50 belongs to the CLARIS road bike series.

While direct comparison is difficult, considering that Alivio is a mid-tier MTB component (5th from the top, 7th from the bottom) and CLARIS is a lower-tier road component (6th from the top, 2nd from the bottom), CS-HG50 may be slightly higher in ranking.

CS-HG51 vs. CS-HG41

Again, the main differences are in gear combinations and finish (chrome vs. nickel plating).

Both belong to Shimano’s MTB lineup:

• CS-HG51 is from Alivio.
• CS-HG41 is from Acera.

Since Alivio is a higher-tier MTB component, it ranks above Acera.

CS-HG41 vs. CS-HG31-8

The main differences are gear combinations and finish (nickel plating vs. zinc phosphate).

Both are Shimano MTB components:

• CS-HG41 belongs to Acera.
• CS-HG31-8 is part of Altus.

Since Acera is a higher-tier component, it ranks above Altus.

CS-HG31-8 vs. CS-HG200-8

Since both use zinc phosphate finishing, the only difference is gear range.

Both belong to Shimano’s MTB lineup:

• CS-HG31-8 is from Altus.
• CS-HG200-8 is from TOURNEY TX.

Since Altus is a higher-tier component, it ranks above TOURNEY TX.

Ranking Shimano’s 8-Speed Cassettes by Grade

Based on our observations, the ranking is as follows:

1. CS-HG51
2. CS-HG50 / CS-HG41
3. CS-HG31-8
4. CS-HG200-8

However, Shimano components follow the rule “generation matters more than grade,” so considering this:

1. CS-HG51 / CS-HG50
2. CS-HG41
3. CS-HG31-8 / CS-HG200-8

Comparing Shimano’s 8-Speed Cassettes by Gear Configuration

Close-Ratio 8-Speed Cassettes

The only close-ratio option in Shimano’s 8-speed lineup is the CS-HG50-8 from the CLARIS series.

With a 10T–12T difference between the smallest and largest cogs, these cassettes provide a smoother cadence, making it easier to maintain speed. However, unlike an 11-speed setup where the top eight cogs might have 1T increments, these cassettes have slightly larger gaps.

Additionally, the smallest cog options are only 12T or 13T, which may feel insufficient for riders with stronger legs. If you want a higher gear ratio on an 8-speed close-ratio setup, you may need to switch to a 50T+ front chainring.

Wide-Ratio 8-Speed Cassettes

Shimano offers more wide-ratio options in its 8-speed cassette lineup.

For road bikes, the most common choices are:

1. 11-28T (“bf”)
2. 11-30T (“an”)
3. 11-32T (“aw”)

For an even wider range, you can opt for:

• 11-34T (“Ca”) (CS-HG50-8 or CS-HG31-8)
• 12-32T (“br”) (CS-HG200-8)

For ultra-wide gearing, CS-HG400-8 offers up to 40T or 45T on the largest cog. This requires a long-cage derailleur and is useful for MTB or gravel bike setups.

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We have explored the different types of Shimano’s 8-speed cassettes.

While 8-speed drivetrains are popular for their cost-effectiveness and beginner-friendliness, the wide variety of cassettes can be confusing. Use this guide to help you choose the right one!

Frequently Asked Questions about Shimano 8-Speed Cassettes