What Is Shimano Shadow RD? Features and Benefits
What is Shimano’s Shadow RD used in their latest rear derailleurs? This article explains its features and the benefits of choosing Shadow RD.
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Perfect Guide to Shimano 11-Speed Cassette Compatibility
Posted at: Mar 12, 2024
A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 11-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
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Understanding Shimano 11-Speed Sprocket Compatibility
Shimano 11-speed sprocket compatibility is checked in three areas:
- Shifting Technology
- Compatibility with Wheels (Freehub)
- Compatibility with Derailleurs
Special attention is needed when considering compatibility with wheels (freehubs), as the corresponding wheels can vary.
Shifting Technology and Compatibility
Shimano 11-speed sprockets are available in two shifting technologies:
Although their names are similar, these two technologies are not compatible. First, confirm which technology your bike’s components are based on.
If your components are from the “CUES 11s” or “DEORE XT 11s LINKGLIDE” range, they use LINKGLIDE; otherwise, they use HYPERGLIDE.
| 9-Speed Component | HYPERGLIDE | LINKGLIDE |
|---|---|---|
| Road 11-speed | ◎ | - |
| HYPERGLIDE MTB 11-speed | ◎ | - |
| CUES 11s | - | ◎ |
| Deore XT 11s LINKGLIDE | - | ◎ |
For more details on Shimano 11-speed sprocket types, models, and gear ratios, refer to the following article.
Shimano 11-Speed Sprocket Types and Differences
This is a summary of the types of 11-speed (11s) sprockets that are Shimano's top grade for current road bikes and top grade shifting for MTB. Differences between models and points to consider when choosing.
Compatibility with Wheels (Freehub) and Presence of Spacers
Shimano 11-speed sprockets come in three compatible types:
- HYPERGLIDE Road 11-speed
- HYPERGLIDE MTB 11-speed
- LINKGLIDE 11-speed
Some road-specific 11-speed sprockets follow the “HG Spline M” standard, but the basic standard is “HG Spline L.” On the other hand, both HYPERGLIDE MTB 11-speed and LINKGLIDE 11-speed are compatible with the “HG Spline M” freehub, which is 1.85mm lower in height.
Therefore, the type of sprocket you choose will determine the compatible wheels.
| Freehub | HYPERGLIDE Road 11-speed | HYPERGLIDE MTB 11-speed | LINKGLIDE 11-speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro Spline (Shimano MTB 12-speed) | - | - | - |
| HG Spline L2 (Shimano Road 12-speed) | - | - | - |
| HG Spline L (Shimano Road 11/12-speed) | ◎ | ◎ 1.85mm Spacer |
◎ 1.85mm Spacer |
| HG Spline M (Shimano 8-11 speed) | - | ◎ | ◎ |
| Shimano 10-speed only | - | - | - |
The reason why 11-speed sprockets are compatible with the “HG Spline M” freehub, even though it is 1.85mm lower, is that the first gear of the 11-speed sprocket on “HG Spline M” is positioned lower (closer to the spokes) than the freehub.
As a result, the 11-speed sprockets on “HG Spline M” are designed with a wide-ratio configuration to avoid interference with the spokes, but there is still a possibility of interference with the spokes, so caution is needed.
Shimano Sprocket and Wheel Compatibility Explained
It is easy to get confused about which wheels are compatible with which Shimano sprockets, as there are many different combinations. In this article, we will explain sprocket and wheel interchangeability in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-remember manner by looking at the evolution of wheels and sprockets.
Compatibility with Derailleurs
Shimano 11-speed sprocket and derailleur compatibility is simple and checked from two perspectives:
- Shifting Technology
- Compatible Gear Range and Capacity
It’s a straightforward process to confirm compatibility based on these two factors. However, note that derailleurs with the same model number might have different sub-models depending on the gear range.
What are Shimano's SS and GS rear derailleurs?
The "SS" and "GS" indications on Shimano's rear derailleur model numbers. We will explain the difference between them, how to distinguish between them, and which one to choose, including compatibility.
HYPERGLIDE Series
Shimano’s HYPERGLIDE technology 11-speed rear derailleurs are available in the following lineup:
- 3 grades for road
- 1 grade for gravel
- 5 grades for MTB
Additionally, each model comes with options for SS (Short Cage), GS (Medium Cage), and SGS (Long Cage), offering a wide variety of options.
| Series | Grade | SS | GS | SGS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R9100 | DURA-ACE | ◎ | ◎ | - |
| 9000 | DURA-ACE | ◎ | - | - |
| R8000 | ULTEGRA | ◎ | ◎ | - |
| 6800 | ULTEGRA | ◎ | ◎ | - |
| R7000 | 105 | ◎ | ◎ | - |
| 5800 | 105 | ◎ | ◎ | - |
| RX810 | GRX | - | ◎ | - |
| RX600 | GRX | - | ◎ | - |
| M9000 | XTR | - | - | ◎ |
| M8000 | Deore XT | - | - | ◎ |
| M7000 | SLX | - | - | ◎ |
| M5100 | Deore 11s | - | - | ◎ |
| M4120 | Deore 10s | - | - | ◎ |
Due to the large amount of data, detailed gear specifications are not provided here. However, as the gear configurations available for each derailleur differ by cage type, be sure to check the specifications of the rear derailleur when changing sprockets.
LINKGLIDE Series
The Shimano LINKGLIDE technology 11-speed rear derailleur lineup in the current range is as follows:
| Model | Cage | Low Gear | Top Gear | Total Capacity | Max Front Gear Teeth Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RD-U80003 | - | 39T-50T | 11T | 39T | 0T |
| RD-U80204 | - | 45T | 11T | 48T | 14T |
| RD-U6020-115 | - | 45T | 11T | 48T | 14T |
| RD-M8130-SGS6 | SGS (Long Cage) | 50T | 11T | 39T | 0T |
There are four models in total, including the 3 types of CUES 11s and Deore XT 11s LINKGLIDE.
Note that the “RD-U8020” and “RD-U6020-11” models, marked with “20” in the four-digit part of the model number, are front double models. Also, except for RD-U8000, the rear derailleur is fixed to a specific sprocket configuration.