Shimano Adds Drop Bar Options to CUES Ecosystem

SHIMANO has announced the expansion of its SHIMANO CUES line-up with a new drop bar version for recreational road and gravel riding, which features the same durable and smooth drivetrain performance as its flat bar counterparts, as well as new ergonomics to ensure optimal positioning and comfort.  

Here’s what Shimano has to say, and how the system breaks down:

• SHIMANO CUES: KEEPS YOU MOVING – SHIMANO CUES drop bar is kind on your hands and easy to control, providing next-level confidence and ergonomics. By cascading the ergonomics of its top-of-the-line road groupsets, CUES is designed to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes.

• SHIMANO CUES: SIMPLICITY – Consolidating its 9-, 10-, and 11-speed component ranges with interchangeable components, including common derailleur pulleys, cassette sprockets and chains, SHIMANO CUES reduces shop inventory needs and simplifies the servicing process for mid-tier bikes.

• SHIMANO CUES: VERSATILITY – The lineup features unified sprocket spacing across its 9-, 10-, and 11-speed drivetrains —Shimano’s most compatible and versatile component lineup — meaning that components can be intermixed across a wider range of user groups and riding styles. Providing confidence in the mountains, on descents, through forest paths, or in the city.

• SHIMANO CUES: DURABILITY – With the most durable drivetrain technology, LINKGLIDE extends a component’s overall lifespan and delivers a smooth shifting experience.

CUES 10- and 11-speed Drivetrains with Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The SHIMANO CUES 10- and 11-speed 6000 series components feature powerful hydraulic disc brakes and smooth shifting with superior chain retention. With a low gear ratio of less than 1:1, based on the three times more durable and smoother LINKGLIDE platform, you can be sure of stable shifting performance with every gear change. 10- and 11-speed drop bar additions unlock drop bar compatibility for existing CUES rear derailleurs, 

Built with a stiff yet lightweight design, every SHIMANO CUES crankset is compatible with HYPERGLIDE 11-speed chains. 

 ST-U6030 – CUES HYDRAULIC DUAL CONTROL LEVERS 11 / 10-speed

• DUAL CONTROL LEVERS ergonomically designed with advanced features, inherited from the performance road models.
• The new blade design creates a shorter lever access, allowing riders with a wide range of hand sizes and shapes to comfortably reach the levers.
• Compatible with both 10- and 11-speed drivetrains.
• Smooth-shifting, which is a SHIMANO CUES hallmark.

 FC-U6040-2 – CUES CRANKSET HOLLOWTECH II 2 x 10 / 9-speed

• Chainring options: 46-32T, 50-34T
• Chainline: 47mm
• Crankarm Lengths: 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm
• HOLLOWTECH II Crankset: 2 x 10 / 9-speed compatible.

 FC-U6040-1 – CUES CRANKSET HOLLOWTECH II 1 x 11 / 10 / 9-speed

• Chainring options: 40T, 42T
• Chainline: 50mm
• Crankarm Lengths: 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm.
• DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT+ improves chain retention with its special gear tip shape
• HOLLOWTECH II Crankset: 1 x 11 / 10 / 9-speed.

FC-U6030-2 – CUES 2-PIECE CRANKSET 2 x 10 / 9-speed

• Chainring options: 46-32T, 50-34T
• Chainline: 47mm
• Crankarm Lengths: 165mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm.
• Two-piece crankset: 2 x 10 / 9-speed.

 FC-U6030-1 – CUES 2-PIECE CRANKSET 1 x 11 / 10 / 9-speed

• Chainring options: 40T, 42T
• Chainline: 50mm
• Crankset Length: 165mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm
• DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT+
• Two-piece crankset: 1 x 11 / 10 / 9-speed.

FD-U6030-F/B – CUES FRONT DERAILLEUR 2 x 10 / 9-speed

• One Front Derailleur for all SHIMANO CUES drop bar bikes.
• Toggle link construction offers easier setup and an integrated cable tensioner.
• Chainline: +2.5mm allowing for wider tire clearance.
• Available with BRAZED-ON MOUNT or CLAMP BAND MOUNT.

BR-U6030 – CUES FLAT MOUNT HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE CALIPER

• Specifically designed for widely used 160mm rotors.
• Flat Mount hydraulic disc brake caliper eliminates the need for a separate adapter.
• Lightweight 2-piston construction provides reliable braking performance.

CUES 9- and 10-speed Drivetrains with Mechanical Disc Brakes

The SHIMANO CUES 3000 series for 9- and 10-speed components provides an even wider range of choices with a mechanical disc brake option for increased reliability and worry-free maintenance. With a low gear ratio of less than 1:1, you can tackle a variety of situations while SHIMANO CUES keeps you in your top gear.

Thanks to the three times more durable and smoother LINKGLIDE platform, you can be sure of stable shifting performance with every gear change.

ST-U3030 – CUES MECHANICAL DUAL CONTROL LEVER 10s and CUES MECHANICAL DUAL CONTROL LEVER 9s

• DUAL CONTROL LEVERS with ergonomic design.
• ST-U3030-9R (9-speed) and U-3030-10R (10-speed) options.

BL-U3030-L – CUES BRAKE LEVER FOR SINGLE

• NEW SUPER SHIMANO LINEAR RESPONSE (SLR).
• The brake lever design is inherited from our high-end mechanical brake levers, offering better control for the Front Single Crankset.

SHIMANO ESSA Drop Bar for 8-speed Drivetrain
Launched last year as a new affordable component system for MTB, fitness and city bikes, SHIMANO ESSA is now available for drop bar 8-speed drivetrains, which expands and elevates its existing 8-speed line-up. Designed to support an active cycling lifestyle, SHIMANO ESSA is an exciting development in accessible, reliable and affordable componentry that will harmonize an often-complex set of component groups.

Based on the existing HYPERGLIDE platform, ESSA will seamlessly integrate with the existing SHIMANO branded products in that range, which will make life easier for bike retailers and cycling enthusiasts alike.

ST-U2030 – SHIMANO ESSA DUAL CONTROL LEVER 8-speed

• Reliable 8-speed shifting.
• Ergonomic design.

BL-U2030-L – SHIMANO ESSA BRAKE LEVER FOR SINGLE

• Features NEW SUPER SHIMANO LINEAR RESPONSE (SLR) technology.
• The brake lever design is inherited from our high-end mechanical brake levers, offering better control for the Front Single Crankset.

CS-HG300 — HG CASSETTE 8-speed

• Wide range 8-speed cassette provides reliable shifting performance for various riding styles.
• Wide range: 11-45T (11-13-15-18-22-27-35-45T).
• Compatible with 6, 7, and 8-speed HYPERGLIDE chains.

Additional CUES Products
Shimano also expands the SHIMANO CUES family with two new additions to its component line, including a dedicated rear derailleur and rotor for small-wheel bikes such as 20-inch.

Specifically engineered for small-wheel bikes, these new parts enhance the functionality of SHIMANO CUES with purpose-built solutions for compact frames, and offer retailers and consumers an affordable, cross-compatible system of components.

RD-U4010-SS – CUES SHORT CAGE REAR DERAILLEUR for 10 / 9-speed 

• SHIMANO SHADOW short cage type
• Up to 30 percent more ground clearance, and more tire clearance than standard CUES RD
• Cassette Sprocket options: 11-36T (9-speed), 11-39T (10-speed)
• E-Bike rated

 SM-RT26-SS — 6-Bolt Disc Brake Rotor

• Available Size: 140mm
• Good for 20 – 24” Child-sized MTBs with suitable brake power

• Trek
• Surly/Salsa
• Specialized
• Cannondale
• Giant
• Fuji
• Marin
• WIlde