New Shimano Cues: Shifting groupset probably soon available for gravel bikes and road bikes

Shimano has been offering the Cues groupset since 2023, which marks a new product strategy: Individual components, which can be combined with each other in a similar way to the GRX drivetrain, replace previous complete groupsets and form a beginner-friendly ensemble. At last year's presentation of the new entry-level and mid-range groupset, Shimano announced its intention to expand the range for road and gravel bikes in the future. Just under a year after the market launch, this expansion is now imminent.

A gravel bike from Conway, which is currently equipped with Shimano Cues components, at least indicates that the new groupset will soon be available. The GRV 4.0 SE model with 2x10 components from the U6000 series is listed on a dealer's website. According to information from TOUR, other well-known manufacturers will be launching gravel bikes and road bikes with the Cues standard on the market in the coming weeks and months.

Shimano Cues: Developing shift/brake levers for drop bars

The main reason why the Shimano Cues components have not yet been seen on bikes with drop bars is that the Japanese company has not yet introduced any suitable shift/brake levers. Officially, only shift levers and brake levers for flat bars are currently available. The new shift/brake levers with the model designation ST-U6030 are not (yet) to be found in the Japanese range.

Previous racing handlebar levers, such as those from the manufacturer's Tiagra or Sora groupsets, are not compatible with the new Cues components. A left brake lever without a shifting unit for single drivetrains without a front derailleur, which are becoming increasingly popular on gravel bikes, is currently only available for the more expensive GRX gravel groupset.

The double crankset (FC-U6030-2) on the aforementioned Conway comes with a chainring combination of 46/32 teeth, which Shimano already introduced last year for 2x11 drivetrains. In combination with an 11-39 cassette (CS-LG300-10), it enables a significant reduction in the lightest gear for uphill riding. However, a larger sprocket is not supported by the rear derailleur (RD-U6020), which is also already in the range. If Shimano retains the modular system, gravel-typical single variants could also become possible.

The hydraulic brake system bears the model designation BR-U6030 and appears to be a new development. On the Conway gravel bike, it is combined with large brake discs from the Deore series.

There is no information yet on the design and ergonomics of the new components. Although a Conway is pictured on the dealer's website, the photo shows a gravel bike with a different spec than the one stated in the specifications. Shimano did not comment on these details when asked by TOUR.

We will of course keep you up to date here as soon as we find out more.