Overview of Shimano's 10-Speed (10s) Cassettes: Types and Differences

Modified at: Apr 2, 2025

Posted at: Feb 3, 2021

Shimano's 10-speed (10s) cassettes available for road, MTB, and gravel bikes. This guide summarizes the different models, materials, finishes, and gear configurations.

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Overview of Shimano's 10-Speed (10s) Cassettes: Types and Differences

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Shimano 10-Speed Sprockets: Types and Key Considerations for Selection

Shimano’s 10-speed sprockets primarily feature the “HYPERGLIDE Technology”1 models, but there are also models utilizing “LINKGLIDE Technology”2 for e-bikes and the new “CUES” components.

While both HYPERGLIDE and LINKGLIDE are Shimano’s shifting technologies, they are not compatible with each other. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the shifting technology matches when selecting a Shimano 10-speed sprocket.

Below are the models, shifting technologies, and features of Shimano’s 10-speed sprockets:

Model Shifting Technology Features
CS-HG500-10 HYPERGLIDE Wide ratio sprocket for old and new 10-speed drivetrains
CS-HG81-10 HYPERGLIDE MTB, SLX grade wide ratio sprocket
CS-HG50-10 HYPERGLIDE Sprocket for both road and MTB; 11-36T only
CS-M771-10 HYPERGLIDE MTB, SAINT grade wide ratio sprocket
CS-M980 HYPERGLIDE XTR grade MTB sprocket with titanium in some low gears
CS-7900 HYPERGLIDE DURA-ACE road grade cross-ratio sprocket
CS-6700 HYPERGLIDE ULTEGRA sprocket, available in cross and wide ratios
CS-5700 HYPERGLIDE 105 sprocket, available in cross and wide ratios
CS-4600 HYPERGLIDE TIAGRA sprocket, available in cross and wide ratios
CS-LG600-10 LINKGLIDE Deore 10s LINKGLIDE sprocket, 11-43T only
CS-LG400-10 LINKGLIDE CUES 10s sprocket, wide ratio options
CS-LG300-10 LINKGLIDE CUES 10s economy sprocket

HYPERGLIDE 10-Speed Sprockets for Road Bikes

In the past, Shimano’s road HYPERGLIDE 10-speed sprockets were typically cross-ratio for road bikes and wide-ratio for MTB. However, current models are mostly wide-ratio configurations.

Model Shifting Technology 11-23T 11-25T 11-27T 11-28T 11-32T 11-34T 11-36T 12-25T 12-27T 12-28T 12-30T 12-34T
CS-HG500-10 HYPERGLIDE - ◎ - - ◎ - - - ◎ - ◎ ◎
CS-HG50-10 HYPERGLIDE - - - - - - ◎ - - - - -
CS-7900 HYPERGLIDE ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ - - - - ◎ - - -
CS-6700 HYPERGLIDE - ◎ - ◎ - - - ◎ - - ◎
CS-5700 HYPERGLIDE - - - ◎ - - - ◎ ◎ - -
CS-4600 HYPERGLIDE - ◎ - - - - - - ◎ ◎ -

Since higher-end models like the DURA-ACE are discontinued, current options for purchase are the “CS-HG500-10” or “CS-HG50-10”. If you can find used models, you will have a broader range of gear combinations from cross to wide ratios, making it easy to customize gear ratios simply by swapping the sprocket, which is a major benefit for road 10-speed setups.

Additionally, while some of the older 10-speed rear derailleurs may not be compatible with current road 10-speed sprockets, the new 10-speed road and gravel models are compatible with both old and new sprockets.

Perfect Guide to Shimano 10-Speed Cassette Compatibility

A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 10-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.

CS-HG500-10

Shimano’s current sprocket for road bikes (TIAGRA), gravel (GRX), and MTB (DEORE) components. The finish is nickel-plated. It has a similar gear ratio to the CS-6700 but features a wide ratio option of 11-34T.

This sprocket is widely available and is also compatible with older road 10-speed derailleurs, making it a rare and valuable option.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-HG500-10 11T 25T 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25
CS-HG500-10 11T 32T 11-12-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32
CS-HG500-10 12T 34T 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-26-30-34
CS-HG500-10 12T 28T 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25-28

CS-HG500 | Shimano

CS-HG50-10

Shimano’s current gravel 10-speed sprocket for GRX. The finish is shot-nickel. Unlike the CS-HG500-10, the CS-HG50-10 comes in a single wide ratio configuration: 11-36T.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-HG50-10 (bk) 11T 36T 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36

CS-HG50-10 | Shimano

CS-7900

Shimano’s high-end DURA-ACE 10-speed sprocket from the road bike era. The finish is nickel-plated and titanium silver for a premium look.

It has a cross-ratio gear configuration for road bikes, with a wide range covering up to a 28T low gear.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-7900 11T 23T 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-23
CS-7900 11T 25T 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25
CS-7900 11T 27T 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-27
CS-7900 11T 28T 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-28
CS-7900 12T 27T 12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-24-27

CS-7900 | Shimano

CS-6700

Shimano’s ULTEGRA 10-speed sprocket designed for road bikes. It’s still in the market and is a great option for enthusiasts, with its durability and versatility.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-6700 11T 25T 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-25
CS-6700 11T 28T 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-28
CS-6700 12T 27T 12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-24-27
CS-6700 12T 32T 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-28-32

CS-6700 | Shimano

CS-5700

Shimano’s mid-tier 10-speed sprocket for both road and gravel. This sprocket has both cross-ratio and wide-ratio configurations for versatility.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-5700 12T 28T 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25-28
CS-5700 12T 32T 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25-32

CS-4600

Shimano’s entry-level 10-speed sprocket. Available only in wide-ratio configurations with basic performance at a very affordable price.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-4600 12T 28T 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-28
CS-4600 12T 32T 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-32

HYPERGLIDE 10-Speed Sprockets (MTB) Model and Weight Comparison

Shimano’s HYPERGLIDE 10-speed sprockets for MTB come in three gear configurations: “11-32T”, “11-34T”, and “11-36T”, offering clear and easy-to-understand options. Some of these sprockets can also be used for road and gravel bikes, as long as the gear capacity is suitable.

Despite being wide-ratio, the higher-end models are extremely lightweight, although some models may no longer be available.

Model Shifting Technology 11-32T 11-34T 11-36T
CS-HG81-10 HYPERGLIDE 317g 351g 369g
CS-M771-10 HYPERGLIDE 294g 323g 343g
CS-M980 HYPERGLIDE - 255g 272g

CS-HG81-10

Shimano’s 10-speed sprocket for MTB, part of the SLX component group. The finish is shot chrome/shot nickel. This sprocket offers a wide-ratio configuration typical for MTB.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-HG81-10(bL) 11T 32T 11-12-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32
CS-HG81-10(bJ) 11T 34T 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-26-30-34
CS-HG81-10(bk) 11T 36T 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36

CS-HG81-10

CS-M771-10

Shimano’s SAINT MTB component line features the current M820 series sprockets. The finish is shot chrome. These sprockets offer a wider ratio configuration compared to the CS-6700.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-M771-10(bL) 11T 32T 11-12-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32
CS-M771-10(bJ) 11T 34T 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-26-30-34
CS-M771-10(bk) 11T 36T 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36

CS-M980

CS-M980

Shimano’s XTR 10-speed sprocket for MTB. Some of the gears feature lightweight, high-strength titanium, which adds to the cost.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-M980 11T 34T 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-26-30-34 (21-34 are titanium)
CS-M980 11T 36T 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36 (21-36 are titanium)

CS-M980 | Shimano

LINKGLIDE 10-Speed Sprockets

Shimano’s LINKGLIDE 10-speed sprockets were initially part of the Deore 10s LINKGLIDE component for e-bikes, but with the introduction of the new “CUES 10s” component, the range has expanded to three models.

Model Shifting Technology 11-39T 11-43T 11-48T
CS-LG600-10 LINKGLIDE - ◎ -
CS-LG400-10 LINKGLIDE ◎ ◎ ◎
CS-LG300-10 LINKGLIDE ◎ - ◎

CS-LG600-10

The Deore 10s LINKGLIDE M5130 series sprocket. This sprocket is designed for front single setups with a gear configuration of 11-43T only.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-LG600-10 11T 43T 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-36-43T

CS-LG400-10

The sprocket from Shimano’s new “CUES 10s” component line. In addition to the 11-43T configuration found in the CS-LG600-10, it also offers 11-39T (ideal for city riding) and 11-48T (perfect for front single MTB setups), providing more options for cyclists.

The key difference from the lower-end “CS-LG300-10” is the surface treatment. The CS-LG400-10 features a “premium metallic design.”

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-LG400-10 11T 39T 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34-39T
CS-LG400-10 11T 43T 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-36-43T
CS-LG400-10 11T 48T 11-13-15-17-20-23-28-34-41-48T

CS-LG300-10

A more affordable version of the sprocket from Shimano’s new “CUES 10s” component line.

The difference from the CS-LG400-10 is the surface treatment and the lack of the 11-43T gear configuration.

Model Top Low Gear Configuration
CS-LG300-10 11T 39T 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34-39T
CS-LG300-10 11T 48T 11-13-15-17-20-23-28-34-41-48T

Shimano 10-Speed Sprocket Compatibility

Shimano’s 10-speed sprockets have unique compatibility compared to other gear counts, involving compatibility between sprockets and wheels, sprockets and shifters, derailleurs, and chains.

As a result, compatibility varies depending on the model you are using or purchasing, so detailed explanations can be found in the article below.

Perfect Guide to Shimano 10-Speed Cassette Compatibility

A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 10-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shimano 10-Speed (10s) Sprockets

  1. HYPERGLIDE+ Technology | Shimano ↩︎

  2. LINKGLIDE Shifting Technology | Shimano ↩︎

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