Shimano Cues U8000 is the top-end group of drivetrain parts within the model’s all-new vary.
Shimano Cues consolidates the model’s Alivio, Acera, Altus and choose Deore groupset parts into one inter-compatible household that covers every thing from 9- via to 11-speed.
Although the model has dedicated to persevering with help for its outgoing groupsets for the subsequent seven years, Cues is pegged to quickly be the dominant groupset household on entry-level hybrids and mountain bikes.
Shimano has additionally all however confirmed drop-bar street/gravel bike parts will quickly come to Cues (fingers crossed – we wish a mullet!).
iceBike* North – the in-house commerce present for Shimano’s UK distributor, Madison – introduced the primary alternative for us to put eyes on Cues.
The groupset was fitted to a Ridgeback Component, which is exactly the kind of mid-range hybrid Cues can be generally specced on.
The 1x setup pictured additionally speaks to a broader theme of Cues.
Shimano says Cues was developed particularly for manufacturers who needed to spec an inexpensive 1x Shimano drivetrain with out resorting to third-party manufacturers for sure parts.
This has lengthy been a notable omission from Shimano’s vary.
The earlier entry level for a wide-range 1x Shimano groupset was Deore.
Whereas comparatively inexpensive, Deore is significantly dearer than the 9- and 10-speed groupsets Cues replaces.
Blink and also you’ll miss it
Like Deore, the pulley plate is constructed from pressed metal. Jack Luke / Our Media
Cues U8000 is being handled by Shimano as a direct alternative for its lesser-known (however superb) Deore XT T8000 ‘trekking’ groupset.
The end matches the premium really feel of the outgoing groupset, however appears extra like Shimano’s 12-speed Deore package.
Actually, the rear derailleur appears nearly indistinguishable from the Deore RD-M6100 rear derailleur.
Cues by title… Deore by nature? Jack Luke / Our Media
They share a really related pressed-steel pulley plate. The cable routing, restrict screw location and foremost pivot on the B-knuckle are all just about an identical too.
At a look, solely the reasonably totally different shapes of the parallelogram plates and lighter colors differentiate the 2.
In contrast to the Deore T8000 rear derailleur it replaces, the Cues U8000 rear derailleur additionally encompasses a clutch.
Enterprise as normal for cranksets
The crankset relies on acquainted Shimano tech. Jack Luke / Our Media
The Cues U8000 crankset is obtainable in both 40 or 42t 1x choices, or in a 46/32t double setup. Each choices can be found with or and not using a matching chainguard.
In contrast to another Cues cranksets, the U8000 cranksets use a normal 24mm HollowTech II axle.
The cranksets additionally use Shimano’s long-standing HollowTech development.
The chainrings are mounted from the again of the spider. Jack Luke / Our Media
This sees two solid shells bonded collectively to create a light-weight and stiff crankset. The identical method is used on just about all of its premium street, gravel and mountain bike groupsets.
U6000 and U4000 cranksets use a brand new two-piece design (that’s just like a SRAM DUB crankset) or good ol’ sq. taper.
On cheaper Cues cranksets, the chainrings are riveted in place however, for Cues U8000 and U6000, they’re replaceable by way of bolts that thread straight into the spider of the crankset.
Each the 1x and 2x U8000 cranksets use Shimano’s normal 110mm PCD asymmetrical chainring bolt sample.
Shifters for anybody
So many shifters… Jack Luke / Our Media
There are extra Cues shifter choices than can be affordable to stipulate right here.
Nevertheless, in short, there are alternatives for both clamp-on or I-Spec shifters throughout each groupset tier.
In the event you don’t know an I-Spec from a Matchmaker (who can blame you?), try our full information to Shimano I-Spec requirements for extra info.
Pictured is the Shimano Cues SL-U8000-11IR shifter. We count on this can be specced generally on 11-speed Cues bikes that use Shimano brakes.
What about Cues U6000 and U4000?
U6000 is anticipated to be specced broadly on entry-level mountain bikes. Shimano
Talking to BikeRadar forward of the launch of Cues, a Shimano USA spokesperson prompt U8000 can be seen totally on electrical trekking and touring bikes.
Whereas it was good to fondle U8000, we’re most excited for Cues U6000.
Wanting forward, we count on bucket-loads of U6000-equipped entry-level mountain bikes, the place it’ll go toe-to-toe with SRAM’s NX and SX groupsets.
It’s unclear once we’ll see bikes outfitted with both hit the market, however we promise to carry you a full overview as quickly as we’ve acquired our arms on both.
