Shimano has announced two launches today, with expansions in both the GRX and Cues lineups. In the GRX camp, there are now 44T and 46T chainrings, as well as 160mm and 165mm crank lengths on offer. And in the Cues lineup, Shimano has launched a rear derailleur and cassette for 2×11 road groupset options.
GRX chainring and crankset expansion
Shimano has expanded its GRX gravel component lineup with new chainring sizes and shorter crank arm length options. The additions include new 44-tooth and 46-tooth chainrings, as well as 165 mm and 160 mm crank arm lengths, giving riders more ways to fine-tune their gravel bike for speed, comfort, and efficiency.
Gravel riding encompasses everything from high-speed racing to long, self-supported adventures, and SHIMANO GRX continues to evolve to meet those diverse demands. The latest GRX options are designed to help riders optimize their setups based on terrain, riding style, and individual fit preferences, all without compromise.
Expanded Chainring Options for Faster Gravel
The new 44T and 46T GRX chainrings join existing 40T and 42T offerings, providing taller gearing options for riders who regularly ride flatter terrain or prioritize top-end speed in race-oriented gravel events. Larger chainrings allow riders to maintain higher speeds more efficiently, while reducing chain articulation and friction. The new chainrings are fully compatible with existing GRX cranksets, including 1x and 2x configurations across both 600- and 800-series GRX groups.
Shorter Crank Arms for Fit, Comfort, and Efficiency
SHIMANO is also introducing 165 mm and 160 mm crank arm lengths to the GRX RX810 lineup, expanding fit options alongside existing 170 mm, 172.5 mm, and 175 mm lengths. Shorter crank arms can help riders achieve a more efficient pedaling motion, support higher cadences, and reduce joint strain, particularly during long, sustained gravel efforts.
Cues expands road groupset components
Shimano has also announced the expansion of its CUES component family with the introduction of new 2×11-speed, road-focused components, designed to bring lightweight performance, refined ergonomics, and broad compatibility to a wide range of riders seeking high-quality components at an attainable price point.
The latest CUES products include the RD-U6040 2×11-speed Rear Derailleur and CS-RS400-11 11–36T HYPERGLIDE cassette, enabling the development of lightweight 2×11-speed road and all-road bikes previously unattainable on the CUES platform.
Lightweight Performance with HYPERGLIDE
The CS-RS400-11 11–36T HYPERGLIDE cassette delivers a wide 327% gear range, providing the flexibility needed for fast group rides, long endurance days, and steep climbs. Designed specifically for the new CUES 2×11-speed system, the cassette is approximately 200 grams lighter than comparable LINKGLIDE cassettes, contributing to a significantly lighter overall drivetrain.
Complementing the cassette is the new CUES RD-U6040 rear derailleur, a compact, streamlined unit tailored specifically for road and all-road applications. Compared to other CUES rear derailleurs, the RD-U6040 achieves a 100-gram weight reduction and features a refined design optimized for smooth, reliable 2×11-speed shifting on drop-bar bikes.
Ergonomics Designed for More Riders
The new CUES 2×11-speed drivetrain is fully compatible with the previously released CUES ST-U6030 DUAL CONTROL LEVER, which inherits advanced ergonomic features from the SHIMANO 105 series. The updated lever position and bracket shape were developed through extensive research across a wide range of hand shapes, ensuring easy reach and confident control for riders of all sizes, whether on the road, gravel, or urban terrain.
SHIMANO CUES U6040 KEY FEATURES
- Lightweight 2×11-speed drivetrain option within the CUES platform
- HYPERGLIDE shifting performance for fast, precise gear changes
- Approximately 200 g lighter cassette compared to reference equivalents
- 100 g lighter, compact rear derailleur optimized for road and all-road bikes
- Wider tire compatibility through a modern chainline and frame fit targets
- Designed to deliver high quality and durability in the low- to mid-price segment
SHIMANO CUES U6040 LINEUP
Rear Derailleur: RD-U6040 – NEW
A compact, road-optimized 2×11-speed rear derailleur designed specifically for CUES. Its streamlined construction delivers a 100-gram weight reduction compared to standard CUES models, offering lighter, sleeker performance for road, all-road, and gravel bikes.Â
Cassette: CS-RS400-11 (11–36T) – RECENTLY RELEASED
The 11-36T 11-speed cassette offers a 327% gear range. Whether sprinting on the flats or tackling steep climbs, you can choose the ideal gear ratio for a wide range of situations.
Frame and Compatibility Requirements CUES RD-U6040
To support consistent shifting performance, frame and drivetrain compatibility should meet the following targets:
- Chain: SHIMANO 11-speed-compatible chain (CN-LG500 specified for the series)
- Rear hub spacing (O.L.D.): 135–142 mm
- Chainstay length: from 415 mm
- Chainline: 47 mm (for wider tire clearance)
- Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD): 110 mm (for the specified crank platform)
- Front derailleur clearance: comparable to FD-U6030-type fit considerations
- Front chainring clearance: comparable to FC-U6040-2-type chainring/crank fit expectations
- Freehub interface: HYPERGLIDE (HG) Spline M and HG Spline L (with 1.85mm spacer) (11/12-speed)
Market Position and Availability
CUES U6040 2×11-speed sits between SHIMANO TIAGRA R4000 and SHIMANO CUES U6030, offering an all-road 2×11 mechanical experience at a more accessible level.
Pricing: Final OEM and aftermarket pricing will vary by market and specification.
Availability: Model and build availability will vary by region; consult local SHIMANO distribution channels for timelines and SKU details.
