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Shimano CUES Cassette Compatibility Guide
Posted at: Apr 1, 2024
A detailed guide to the compatibility of Shimano CUES series cassettes. Includes an overview of compatible rear derailleurs, chains, and wheels.
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Table of contents
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Shimano CUES Series Sprocket Compatibility Chart
The sprockets in the Shimano CUES series have specific compatibility requirements with rear shifting components.
Below is a compatibility chart summarizing which rear drivetrain components are compatible with each CUES sprocket configuration:
| Component | CUES 9-Speed Sprocket | CUES 10-Speed Sprocket | CUES 11-Speed Sprocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUES 9-Speed Rear Derailleur | ○ | - | - |
| CUES 10-Speed Rear Derailleur | - | ○ | - |
| CUES 11-Speed Rear Derailleur | - | - | ○ |
| MTB 9-Speed Rear Derailleur | - | - | - |
| MTB 10-Speed Rear Derailleur | - | - | - |
| MTB 11-Speed Rear Derailleur | - | - | - |
| CUES LG Chain | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| MTB HG Chain (9-Speed) | - | - | - |
| MTB HG Chain (10-Speed) | - | - | - |
| MTB HG Chain (11-Speed) | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| MTB 9/10/11-Speed Wheels | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| MTB 12-Speed Wheels | - | - | - |
| Road 8–10-Speed Wheels | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Road 10-Speed-Specific Wheels | - | - | - |
| Road 11/12-Speed Wheels | ○ 1.85mm spacer required |
○ 1.85mm spacer required |
○ 1.85mm spacer required |
| Road 12-Speed Wheels | - | - | - |
Note that even within the CUES series, the rear drivetrain compatibility is separated by speed (9-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed). Components of different speeds cannot be mixed.
For example, a 9-speed shifter and rear derailleur cannot be used with an 11-speed CUES sprocket.
Therefore, if you plan to change the number of gears in your drivetrain using CUES components, you must replace the shifter, rear derailleur, and sprocket together.
Compatibility Between CUES Sprockets and Other Components
Compatibility with Chains
Shimano’s CUES series uses the LINKGLIDE shifting system. However, when it comes to chains, CUES sprockets are also compatible with the 11-speed chains designed for the HYPERGLIDE system.
This means that existing 11-speed MTB chains are compatible with all CUES sprockets—9-speed, 10-speed, and 11-speed.
Compatibility with Rear Derailleurs
The Shimano CUES drivetrain operates using the LINKGLIDE system. As a result, CUES sprockets are not compatible with drivetrain components made for the HYPERGLIDE system found in traditional road and MTB setups.
For example, the CUES 10-speed sprocket is not compatible with the DEORE 10-speed MTB rear derailleur.
Although the CUES 11-speed sprocket is compatible with 11-speed chains, you might think it would work with 11-speed MTB drivetrains. However, Shimano’s official compatibility chart indicates no compatibility1.
Compatibility with Wheels (Freehub Bodies)
Shimano CUES sprockets are designed to fit the HG Spline M standard. This makes them compatible with the following existing wheels:
- Road 8/9-speed wheels
- Road 11-speed wheels
- MTB 8/9/10/11-speed wheels
For road 11-speed wheels, which have a taller freehub body, a 1.85mm spacer must be added for proper fitment.
Wheels that are not compatible with CUES sprockets include:
- MTB 12-speed specific wheels (Micro Spline)
- Road 10-speed specific wheels
- Road 12-speed specific wheels (HG Spline L2)