Shimano’s new lower tier gears range, “CUES”, is now hitting the market as we see bike brands like Trek and Haibike featuring them on their machines. Let’s look at what CUES is all about and what it means for cyclists of all types.
When the world’s biggest gears manufacturer puts out a major new range, we’re always excited to find out what it’s all about. Much like T-Type from SRAM, Shimano CUES has the potential to create a major shift in cycling, if you’ll pardon the pun. Created very much with e-bikes in mind, they have been designed to cope better with shifting under load and with durability as a very high priority.
CUES - which stands for Creating Unique ExperienceS – is a new range of 9, 10 and 11-speed drivetrain components that replace Alivio, Acera and Altus, as well as some Deore components. The aim is to make it easier for manufacturers to create specifications for their models by improving compatibility between the different levels of components.
What it means for cyclists, whether you’re a roadie, mountain biker, commuter or adventurer, is that 1x drivetrains – those with one chain ring on the crank – will become more affordable and will be available on lower cost bikes. These “one by” set-ups will be the focus of CUES, though 2x components suitable for mountain biking or urban riding are available too. Another major benefit of CUES is that replacing and upgrading parts will be much simpler.
Trek Marlin+, featuring Shimano CUES
Smooth and precise shifting: The CUES range boasts an upgraded gear shifting mechanism that provides cyclists with smoother and more precise transitions between gears. This is achieved through meticulous engineering and technological advancements that reduce friction and enhance overall drivetrain efficiency.
Enhanced durability: Shimano has always been synonymous with reliability, and the CUES range is no exception. The components are designed to withstand the rigours of diverse terrains and weather conditions, ensuring that cyclists can trust their gear to perform consistently over time.
Wider gear ratio: The CUES range introduces a wider gear ratio, catering to the demands of both novice riders and seasoned cyclists. This feature enhances the versatility of the gears, allowing riders to seamlessly navigate steep climbs and fast descents without compromising on performance.
Adaptable to various riding styles: Whether you're a road cyclist, mountain biker, commuter, or adventure seeker, the CUES range is engineered to adapt to various riding styles. From smooth city roads to challenging mountain trails, these gears provide the flexibility needed to excel in different environments.
Trek’s new Marlin+ e-mountain bike was the first notable range to sport CUES but we’ve also this week sold a Haibike Trekking with these new gears too. So the bikes are now coming through and we expect to see more and more lower-cost and mid-range bikes specifying them. That goes across road, gravel, mountain, commuting… everything.
Our Sales Manager Olly said: “It’s still early days for CUES so we don’t have huge amounts of customer feedback but in some ways that’s a good thing as it means people are getting on well with them. From our first test rides on the Marlin+ range, CUES does what Shimano say it does. That’s to provide reliable, smooth shifting and to do that under the kinds of heavy load associated with e-bikes, with its design being as much as three times more durable. I think we’ll find CUES will do a great job of simplifying upgrades and repairs, and will be the solid foundation for Shimano’s range of gears for years to come.”
Come and see CUES for yourself in our Pickering store.
