Shimano reduces weight and improves shifting in its most affordable range for road and gravel, this is the new CUES 2x11

Shimano continues to expand the reach of its CUES platform, and this time it does so with a new lighter 2x11 speed groupset focused on road and all-road.

A lighter Shimano CUES closer to road cycling and all-road

Until now, CUES had been clearly identified with durability and the LINKGLIDE logic, aimed at intensive use and long lifespan. With this new development, Shimano introduces a variant that shifts that focus towards lighter performance and a more direct response in shifting.

The key element is the adoption of HYPERGLIDE technology in the new 2x11 transmission, abandoning the LINKGLIDE philosophy here. This has a direct consequence on the system's behavior. The shifting is faster and more precise, more aligned with what a road or light gravel cyclist expects.

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But the leap is not just functional. It is also significant in terms of weight. The new combination formed by the RD-U6040 rear derailleur and the CS-RS400-11 cassette represents a significant reduction within the CUES ecosystem. The cassette is approximately 200 grams lighter than equivalents within the LINKGLIDE range, while the derailleur reduces its weight by around 100 grams compared to other CUES models.

Overall, this allows for something that was not previously viable within this platform. Truly lightweight 2x11 bike builds within a reasonable price range.

Development designed for real use: wide range and versatility

One of the most interesting points of the new CS-RS400-11 cassette is its range. With a development of 11-36T and a total range of 327 percent, it covers a very broad spectrum of use.

In practice, this allows for everything from fast group rides on asphalt to tackling demanding climbs without the need to resort to more extreme configurations. It is a choice clearly oriented towards versatile cycling, where the same bike can alternate between road, trails, and mixed terrain.

This approach is reinforced by the available chainring options in the existing sets within the series. Configurations of 50-34T or 46-32T allow for adjusting the behavior of the transmission according to the bike's focus, from a more road-oriented use to a more adventurous one.

In essence, the new CUES U6040 2x11 arrives as a more refined entry point to double chainring transmissions and could be the update that many brands and users have been waiting for to have entry-level road bikes that truly meet their expectations.