NEW Shimano “Linkglide” Drivetrain Promises 300% Longer-Lasting Components

Shimano just released its latest drivetrain technology, Linkglide. Designed and engineered to increase the lifespan of a drivetrain, LINKGLIDE prioritizes durability and offers more robust components, providing better resistance to wear and extending the lifecycle of each component. Shimano HYPERGLIDE+ drivetrains will live on as the lightweight, fast-shifting option, and LINKGLIDE components will be offered alongside them as a high-durability alternative.

The new LINKGLIDE components include DEORE XT 1×11 and DEORE 1×10-speed shifters, rear derailleurs, chain, and cassettes. The good news is that each of these individual components was designed to get more mileage before repairs or replacement; the bad news is that LINKGLIDE components aren’t cross-compatible with other Shimano HYPERGLIDE+ components. Namely, the LINKGLIDE cassettes have different cog-to-cog spacing in order to make room for the wider teeth. And, the LINKGLIDE derailleur pull ratio is different—it’s linear to help accommodate the wider cassette tooth design. This allows different speed Linkglide shifters and derailleurs to work together seamlessly. So, you can use the 11-speed LINKGLIDE shifter with the 10-speed LINKGLIDE derailleur. Each of the components will feature a LINKGLIDE logo to differentiate them from regular DEORE XT and DEORE components. Find a complete list of components with pricing below.

LINKGLIDE Cassettes

The teeth of LINKGLIDE cassettes are made of plated steel with a new shape to reduce wear and tear. They feature a thicker construction and taller and stronger teeth toward the tips to prevent chain skipping and tooth deformation even as the miles add up. The LINKGLIDE cassettes also feature a new shifting gate design and position, enabling the chain to move smoothly up and down across the sprockets. These gates are designed to reduce pedal shock or jumps during shifting. LINKGLIDE cassettes are compatible with standard HG freehubs and come in the following two options.

Shimano LINKGLIDE Derailleurs

To accommodate the new LINKGLIDE cassettes, Shimano released two new rear derailleurs: the new DEORE XT and DEORE derailleurs. The LINKGLIDE derailleurs feature SHIMANO SHADOW RD+ low-profile design and chain-stabilizing clutch mechanism for reduced chain slap over bumpy terrain.

Shimano LINKGLIDE Shift Levers

Several new shift levers also dropped to round out the LINKGLIDE drivetrain system. The DEORE XT version comes with an I-SPEC EV or clamp band option, and the DEORE 10-speed version comes in a clamp band-only design with an optional optical gear display.

LINKGLIDE CHAINS

All LINKGLIDE drivetrains use a common chain design, regardless of the number of cogs on the cassette. Existing 11-speed Shimano chains are compatible with LINKGLIDE drivetrains. Additionally, a new entry-level-priced chain will be available, the CN-LG500 ($22.99). This chain can also be used on existing 11-speed HYPERGLIDE drivetrains. All Shimano 11-speed chains are currently e-bike rated or e-bike designed.

LINKGLIDE components will be available as an aftermarket product in bike stores later this year.

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