Shimano CUES

[hondo77]

This week, Shimano announced their new drivetrain line called "CUES". It unites their lower-end lines (Deore, Sora, Alivio, etc.), does away with triples, is 9-10-11 speed, has the same pull-ratios and uses the same chain across everything, has 11-45 cassettes to be used with 2x and an 11-50 cassette to be used with 2x.

This was an unexpected announcement and, while no reviews are out yet, the press is very favorable. I am so stinkin' excited about this because my dream of a fully-loaded touring 2x crankset that can be used with an 11-speed cassette is becoming a reality. Drop bar components like brifters are expected later in the year.

https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/product/component/cues.html
https://road.cc/content/blog/shimano-cues-genuine-game-changer-299611

[canalligators]

I applaud any standardization.  That’s why I usually specify SRAM.

[driftlessregion]

Well,  not everyone thinks this is great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qak_LsDbxq8

[UncaBuddha]

Hondo, you can run a 2x11 system using GRX600 right now. Shimano says you shouldn't have a lower gear than 30x34 but, with a Wolftooth Roadlink, I'm running a 30x42 with no problems (I have to remember not to go BIG-big because there is very little margin between the derailleur and cassette).

[hondo77]

Hondo, you can run a 2x11 system using GRX600 right now.

It's not just a matter of 2x11, it's the gear-inches I need for fully-loaded touring. I have a 20x34 9-speed that gives me 16 gear-inches (which seems to be fine so far). A CUES 22x45 11-speed will give me 13 gear-inches (I don't know if I can even keep my bike upright with that!). A 30x42 only gives me 19.5 and I know I want to go lower than that. I'm a big guy riding a heavy rig so I need all the help I can get. :-)

[UncaBuddha]

13 gear inches is REALLY low! As you said, good luck staying upright. At 19 inches I can keep up a decent cadence at about 4.5 mph (if I'm remembering the numbers correctly).