Shimano Cues has replaced Alivio, Acera, and Altus, as well as select Deore components with new 9-, 10-, and 11-speed drivetrain components. The new range is primarily focused on offering affordable 1x drivetrains for all disciplines, and it is expected to be specced on a wide range of hybrids, mountain bikes, and electric bikes.

The range is broken down into four tiers: Shimano Cues U3000 (9-speed), Shimano Cues U4000 (9-speed), Shimano Cues U6000 (10- or 11-speed), and Shimano Cues U8000 (11-speed). Unlike Shimano’s existing groupsets, the cable pull ratio, cassette cog spacing, and chains are shared across all components, regardless of their speed or where they sit in the product hierarchy. This simplifies specs and boosts compatibility, making it easier for brands to spec bikes according to their needs. Shimano has hinted that Cues will phase out Tiagra, Sora, and Claris road groupsets.

Cues was developed to meet manufacturers’ demand for a simplified component range and the option to spec affordable wide-range clutch-equipped 1x drivetrains for bikes of all styles. Cues is based on Shimano LinkGlide technology, which offers broad inter-compatibility of the groupset components.