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

    Q.

    Can 10-speed cassettes for road and MTB be used interchangeably?

    A.

    Shimano components are compatible as long as the number of speeds matches and the cassette is within the rear derailleur’s capacity.

    For Shimano 10-speed components, the maximum low gear capacity of road and MTB rear derailleurs is not significantly different, so there are many products that can be used interchangeably.

    Q.

    Can Shimano 10-speed road and MTB cassettes be used with CUES 10-speed components?

    A.

    Shimano 10-speed road and MTB cassettes use the “HYPERGLIDE” standard, while CUES 10-speed components use a different standard called “LINKGLIDE,” so they cannot be used together. For CUES 10-speed components, you need to use cassettes that are LINKGLIDE standard.

    Both Shimano 10-speed road/MTB and CUES 10-speed cassettes mount on the same “HG Spline” (commonly called Shimano freehub), so physically installing the cassette is possible. However, using a road/MTB cassette with CUES shifters will not result in proper shifting performance, as the shifting systems are not compatible.

    1. HYPERGLIDE+ Technology | Shimano ↩︎

    2. LINKGLIDE Shifting Technology | Shimano ↩︎

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