Shimano Cues 4000 in the test: The cheapest e-bike gearstick on the test bench

BIKE summary of the Cues 4000

The 4000 series is perhaps not designed to generate enthusiasm. However, even the cheapest Cues shifts reliably and offers nine sensible gears with a very wide gear range if required. If you are looking for good function without frills, you will find it here.

Shimano Cues 4000: The facts

Price and weight are manufacturer's specifications and refer to the complete shifting system with trigger and rear derailleur >> available here. For the smallest uphill gear, we use standardised parameters for tyre size and cadence and a 40 trekking chainring (28 inch, 47 millimetres, 60 rpm).

Practical test of the Cues 4000

Expensive or cheap, many or few gears. Even we rarely keep track of all the options in the Shimano catalogue. With the Cues 4000, however, it's simple: it's Shimano's affordable all-round drivetrain and comes with 2x9 gears for normal bikes or as a 1x9 drivetrain, more for e-bikes. Shimano also offers even cheaper options, with the Essa (here in the driving impression). However, most manufacturers start with the Cues 4000 as the cheapest option for their e-bikes.

Nice to see: The Cues are available in different gear ratios for different purposes. In addition to a classic version with 11 to 36 teeth at the rear for city and trekking use, the Cues are also available with a cassette with 11-41 or even 11-46 teeth for maximum range. We tested this drivetrain here. It offers a relatively good uphill gear and a wide gear range. However, the individual gear steps are large, especially in the lighter gears. There are no additional features such as Shadow Plus damping, and the feel and finish are noticeable due to the price pressure. Nevertheless: Even the inexpensive Cues does what it is supposed to do reliably: Shifting!

Thanks to Linkglide, the Cues 4000, like all Cues drivetrains, is less susceptible to wear. The key to this is the increased use of materials in the chain and cassette and a chain climbing behaviour trimmed for smooth shifting. This means that the Cues 4000 promises long-lasting cycling pleasure at an affordable price and also cuts a fine figure on an e-bike - unlike classic Shimano Hyperglide drivetrains, which can reach their wear limit after just a few hundred kilometres, especially on an e-bike.

The Shimano Cues 4000 at a glance

Strengths

• Reliable function, even at a low price
• Linkglide promises good durability
• Also available with small climbing gear on request

Weaknesses

• Either bandwidth, or fine gradation
• Operation not very crisp