Shimano Adds 2×11-Speed Components to Its CUES Drivetrain

Shimano has announced the expansion of its CUES drivetrain with the introduction of new 2×11-speed, road-focused components, designed to bring lightweight performance, refined ergonomics, and broad compatibility to a wide range of riders seeking high-quality components at an attainable price point.

The latest CUES products include the RD-U6040 2×11-speed Rear Derailleur and CS-RS400-11 11–36T HYPERGLIDE cassette, enabling the development of lightweight 2×11-speed road and all-road bikes previously unattainable on the CUES platform.

Lightweight Performance with HYPERGLIDE

The CS-RS400-11 11–36T HYPERGLIDE cassette delivers a wide 327% gear range, providing the flexibility needed for fast group rides, long endurance days, and steep climbs. Designed specifically for the new CUES 2×11-speed system, the cassette is approximately 200 grams lighter than comparable LINKGLIDE cassettes, contributing to a significantly lighter overall drivetrain.

Complementing the cassette is the new CUES RD-U6040 rear derailleur, a compact, streamlined unit tailored specifically for road and all-road applications. Compared to other CUES rear derailleurs, the RD-U6040 achieves a 100-gram weight reduction and features a refined design optimized for smooth, reliable 2×11-speed shifting on drop-bar bikes.

Ergonomics Designed for More Riders

The new CUES 2×11-speed drivetrain is fully compatible with the previously released CUES ST-U6030 DUAL CONTROL LEVER, which inherits advanced ergonomic features from the SHIMANO 105 series. The updated lever position and bracket shape were developed through extensive research across a wide range of hand shapes, ensuring easy reach and confident control for riders of all sizes, whether on the road, gravel, or urban terrain.

SHIMANO CUES U6040 KEY FEATURES

• Lightweight 2×11-speed drivetrain option within the CUES platform
• HYPERGLIDE shifting performance for fast, precise gear changes
• Approximately 200 g lighter cassette compared to reference equivalents
• 100 g lighter, compact rear derailleur optimized for road and all-road bikes
• Wider tire compatibility through a modern chainline and frame fit targets
• Designed to deliver high quality and durability in the low- to mid-price segment

Rear Derailleur: RD-U6040 – NEW

A compact, road-optimized 2×11-speed rear derailleur designed specifically for CUES. Its streamlined construction delivers a 100-gram weight reduction compared to standard CUES models, offering lighter, sleeker performance for road, all-road, and gravel bikes. 

Cassette: CS-RS400-11 (11–36T) – RECENTLY RELEASED

The 11-36T 11-speed cassette offers a 327% gear range. Whether sprinting on the flats or tackling steep climbs, you can choose the ideal gear ratio for a wide range of situations.

Frame and Compatibility Requirements CUES RD-U6040

To support consistent shifting performance, frame and drivetrain compatibility should meet the following targets:

• Chain: SHIMANO 11-speed-compatible chain (CN-LG500 specified for the series)
• Rear hub spacing (O.L.D.): 135–142 mm
• Chainstay length: from 415 mm
• Chainline: 47 mm (for wider tire clearance)
• Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD): 110 mm (for the specified crank platform)
• Front derailleur clearance: comparable to FD-U6030-type fit considerations
• Front chainring clearance: comparable to FC-U6040-2-type chainring/crank fit expectations
• Freehub interface: HYPERGLIDE (HG) Spline M and HG Spline L (with 1.85mm spacer) (11/12-speed)