Shimano CUES Drop Bar is Hydraulic and 1&#215;11

Shimano’s CUES drivetrain offers a more affordable LINKGLIDE package for riders, and today, the Japanese component manufacturer announced an all-new CUES drop bar line that uses hydraulic brakes, 1×11 speed, and full kits start at $895.96. Let’s take a closer look…

The U6000 CUES kit is meant to be simple, versatile, and durable and now with an 11-speed drop bar hydraulic offering, the whole catalog expands into the drop bar sector. While the hydraulic brakes create a higher-priced kit overall, we’re hoping Shimano comes out with 11-speed cable-actuated levers down the road. For now, here’s what’s going on with 11-speed CUES.

Find the applicable CUES 1×11 drop bar component list below. CUES is still compatible with everything from 9 (which has cable-actuated levers) through 11-speed components.

New CUES 11-Speed Aligned Components

ST-U6030 – CUES HYDRAULIC DUAL CONTROL LEVERS 11 / 10-speed
DUAL CONTROL LEVERS ergonomically designed with advanced features, inherited from the performance road models.
The new blade design creates a shorter lever access, allowing riders with a wide range of hand sizes and shapes to comfortably reach the levers.
Compatible with both 10- and 11-speed drivetrains.
Smooth shifting, which is a SHIMANO CUES hallmark.

FC-U6040-1 – CUES CRANKSET HOLLOWTECH II 1 x 11 / 10 / 9-speed
Chainring options: 40T, 42T
Chainline: 50mm
Crankarm Lengths: 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm.
DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT+ improves chain retention with its special gear tip shape
HOLLOWTECH II Crankset: 1 x 11 / 10 / 9-speed.

FC-U6030-1 – CUES 2-PIECE CRANKSET 1 x 11 / 10 / 9-speed
Chainring options: 40T, 42T
Chainline: 50mm
Crankset Length: 165mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm
DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT+
Two-Piece Crankset: 1 x 11 / 10 / 9-speed.

BR-U6030 – CUES FLAT MOUNT HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE CALIPER
Specifically designed for widely used 160mm rotors.
Flat Mount hydraulic disc brake caliper eliminates the need for a separate adapter.
Lightweight 2-piston construction provides reliable braking performance.

A Sample Build Kit with Drop Bar 1×11 CUES U6000

CUES Shifter + Brake Lever IU60301DRRDRC170A: $300
CUES Brake Lever IU60302DLF6RC100: $278
Hollowtech 2 crank: $80
CUES Rear Derailleur 11-speed ERDU6000GS: $69.99
Disc Rotors ESMRT56SP: $15
11-50t 11-Speed Cassette ECSLG40011150: $109.99
Chain with Quick Link ICNLG500126Q: $22.99
Total: $895.96

A Sample Build Kit with Drop Bar 2×10 CUES U6000

CUES Shifter + Brake Lever IU60301DLF6RC100A: $290
CUES Shifter + Brake Lever IU60301DRRDRC170A: $300
Hollowtech 2 crank: $88
CUES Rear Derailleur 10-speed ERDU602010SGS: $69.99
Disc Rotors ESMRT56SP: $15
11-39t 10-Speed Cassette ECSLG40010139: $109.99
Chain with Quick Link ICNLG500126Q: $22.99
Total: $890.96

Expect to see the following brands carrying the new 11-speed drop bar CUES in 2025: