Sloth
Über Member
I have asked about the new Shimano CUES 1x11 system previously on another thread, however, it's a little old now and I wanted to focus down on a specific situation and choice.
I am proceeding with my plan to have the 105 drivetrain replaced with a 1x set up, and I have sold in principle, my 105 set and will be completing that sale once it's removed from my bike.
In other words, this thread is not about if I should do it, that ship has sailed, it's happening. I am now asking for advice on which set up to go for when I do.
My budget is a max of £500 (Inc. fitting etc.)
As I see it (open to correction) I have two choices.
Shimano GRX800
GRX chainset RX810 42t
GRX800 rear derailleur
Shift lever, existing 105 is compatible (no shifter req)
HG7011 chain
M8000 cassette 11/42
CUES U8000
Cues FC-800 chainset 42t
Cues RD-8000 rear derailleur
Cues SL-8000 shifter
LG500 chain
Cues CS LG-700 cassette (11/45 or 11/50 - to be decided)
Both can be done for around or under £500 all in.
Both will offer me the same or easier low gears for hills etc. The CUES 11/45 or 50 will obviously give me even easier gears, whereas the GRX 11/42 will give me the same 1:1 as I get with my current 105 34/34 in the easiest gear combo.
Both will reduce my high gears vs the current 105 50/11 hardest gear.
Note: I need to know how much I'd lose on the harder/high gears with both options, vs my current 105 50/11 highest gear. I accept some will be lost, and I'm not too bothered providing I'm not spinning out at 15-20mph for example.
I have looked at calculators but they ask for input that I don't know or understand so any help would be appreciated in getting a 3-way comparison?
Both options may feel a little less 'smooth' than the 105 (although my experience it's not that smooth TBH) but the CUES may be a little less smooth than the GRX?
Both should provide positive changes but the CUES will have a slightly slower/delayed change due to the way Linkglide works (every other rear cassette tooth for a lift off point, rather than every one on the GRX/105 etc.).
CUES is supposedly better (even perhaps happier) at shifting under load, whereas GRX, like 105 is best if you ease off when shifting. A small change in riding/shifting methods may be required.
So, to summarise, will a novice, fitness/recreational rider like me, riding undulating country lanes and not interested in competing or clubs, notice a significant drop in shifting quality and noise/smoothness etc?
Will CUES feel more 'agricultural' than GRX, or will they feel about the same, and will they both feel noticeably more clunky and agricultural (to me) than the 105 for example?.
My main drivers are:-
I am proceeding with my plan to have the 105 drivetrain replaced with a 1x set up, and I have sold in principle, my 105 set and will be completing that sale once it's removed from my bike.
In other words, this thread is not about if I should do it, that ship has sailed, it's happening. I am now asking for advice on which set up to go for when I do.
My budget is a max of £500 (Inc. fitting etc.)
As I see it (open to correction) I have two choices.
Shimano GRX800
GRX chainset RX810 42t
GRX800 rear derailleur
Shift lever, existing 105 is compatible (no shifter req)
HG7011 chain
M8000 cassette 11/42
CUES U8000
Cues FC-800 chainset 42t
Cues RD-8000 rear derailleur
Cues SL-8000 shifter
LG500 chain
Cues CS LG-700 cassette (11/45 or 11/50 - to be decided)
Both can be done for around or under £500 all in.
Both will offer me the same or easier low gears for hills etc. The CUES 11/45 or 50 will obviously give me even easier gears, whereas the GRX 11/42 will give me the same 1:1 as I get with my current 105 34/34 in the easiest gear combo.
Both will reduce my high gears vs the current 105 50/11 hardest gear.
Note: I need to know how much I'd lose on the harder/high gears with both options, vs my current 105 50/11 highest gear. I accept some will be lost, and I'm not too bothered providing I'm not spinning out at 15-20mph for example.
I have looked at calculators but they ask for input that I don't know or understand so any help would be appreciated in getting a 3-way comparison?
Both options may feel a little less 'smooth' than the 105 (although my experience it's not that smooth TBH) but the CUES may be a little less smooth than the GRX?
Both should provide positive changes but the CUES will have a slightly slower/delayed change due to the way Linkglide works (every other rear cassette tooth for a lift off point, rather than every one on the GRX/105 etc.).
CUES is supposedly better (even perhaps happier) at shifting under load, whereas GRX, like 105 is best if you ease off when shifting. A small change in riding/shifting methods may be required.
So, to summarise, will a novice, fitness/recreational rider like me, riding undulating country lanes and not interested in competing or clubs, notice a significant drop in shifting quality and noise/smoothness etc?
Will CUES feel more 'agricultural' than GRX, or will they feel about the same, and will they both feel noticeably more clunky and agricultural (to me) than the 105 for example?.
My main drivers are:-
- Convenience/simplicity (more about the ride itself than faffing about with front/rear gears and bike settings)
- Eliminating clunky and noisy chain/cross chain issues
- Min 1:1 low end and as little loss on the high end as possible.
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