Types And Differences Of Shimano 9-Speed Sprockets - Cyclabo

Types of Shimano 9-Speed Sprockets and Key Points to Consider When Choosing

In the past, all Shimano 9-speed sprockets used the “HYPERGLIDE technology1”. However, the newer component series “CUES” now includes models with the newer “LINKGLIDE technology2”.

Both HYPERGLIDE and LINKGLIDE are Shimano shifting technologies, but they are not compatible with each other. Therefore, when selecting a Shimano 9-speed sprocket today, it’s crucial to ensure that the shifting technology matches your setup.

If your bike uses a “CUES” shifter, choose a “LINKGLIDE 9-speed sprocket”. For all other setups, go with a “HYPERGLIDE 9-speed sprocket”.

Below is a table listing 9-speed sprocket models, their shifting technologies, and their characteristics.

Model	Shifting Technology	Features
CS-HG201-9	HYPERGLIDE	Wide-ratio configuration
CS-HG50-9	HYPERGLIDE	Close-ratio configuration
CS-HG400-9	HYPERGLIDE	Available in both close and wide ratios
CS-M770	HYPERGLIDE	Wide-ratio configuration
CS-HG80-9	HYPERGLIDE	Wide-ratio configuration
CS-HG70-S	HYPERGLIDE	For small-wheeled bikes
CS-LG400-9	LINKGLIDE	Ultra wide-ratio option, metallic finish
CS-LG300-9	LINKGLIDE	Ultra wide-ratio option, budget-friendly

Identifying the sprocket’s technology is simple—LINKGLIDE sprockets always include “LG” in the model number.

For information on Shimano 9-speed sprocket compatibility with derailleurs and wheels, check the article below:

Shimano 9‑Speed Cassette Compatibility Guide

A complete 9s reference: HG vs LG (CUES) compatibility, cassette options, gear tables, and RD limits for road and MTB drivetrains updated.

HYPERGLIDE 9-Speed Sprockets

Shimano’s road and traditional MTB 9-speed sprockets use HYPERGLIDE technology. These are not compatible with CUES components.

There are 5 different models and 11 gear configurations available, giving you flexibility to tailor your setup based on your riding style.

Here are the key features of each model:

1. CS-HG201-9 — Wide-ratio configuration
2. CS-HG50-9 — Close-ratio configuration
3. CS-HG400-9 — Available in both close and wide ratios
4. CS-M770 — Wide-ratio configuration
5. CS-HG80-9 — Wide-ratio configuration
6. CS-HG70-S — For small-wheeled bikes

The CS-HG400-9 offers a wide range of configurations and is a good starting point when choosing your sprocket.

Model	Tech	11-25T	11-28T	11-30T	11-32T	11-34T	11-36T	12-25T	12-36T	13-25T	14-25T	9-26T
CS-HG201-9	HYPERGLIDE	-	-	-	◎	◎	◎	-	-	-	-	-
CS-HG50-9	HYPERGLIDE	-	-	◎	-	-	-	◎	-	◎	◎	-
CS-HG400-9	HYPERGLIDE	◎	◎	-	◎	◎	◎	-	◎	-	-	-
CS-M770	HYPERGLIDE	-	-	-	◎	◎	-	-	-	-	-	-
CS-HG80-9	HYPERGLIDE	-	◎	-	◎	◎	-	-	-	-	-	-
CS-HG70-S	HYPERGLIDE	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	◎

Road and MTB Sprockets Compatibility Overview

A guide to the compatibility between road and MTB sprockets, explaining whether they can be used together with different components.

CS-HG201-9

Among Shimano’s 9-speed cassettes, the CS-HG201-9 is a newer ALIVIO-grade model. It features a wide gear ratio, aligning with current trends.

Model	Top	Low	Gear Combination
CS-HG201-9	11T	32T	11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32
CS-HG201-9	11T	34T	11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34
CS-HG201-9	11T	36T	11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-36

CS-HG201-9 | Shimano

CS-HG50-9

A cassette for Shimano’s current SORA R3000 series, designed for road bikes. The finish is nickel-plated, and as a road-specific model, it features a close gear ratio.

Model	Top	Low	Gear Combination
CS-HG50-9(bf)	11T	30T	11-12-14-16-18-20-23-26-30
CS-HG50-9	12T	25T	12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25
CS-HG50-9	13T	25T	13-14-15-16-17-19-21-23-25
CS-HG50-9	14T	25T	14-15-16-17-18-19-21-23-25

CS-HG50-9 | Shimano

CS-HG400-9

A current ALIVIO-grade cassette from Shimano’s M4000 MTB series. It features a nickel-plated finish and offers a wide range of gear options such as 11-25T, 11-28T, 11-32T, 11-34T, 12-36T, and 11-36T. The gear configuration makes it suitable not only for MTBs but also for road bikes.

Model	Top	Low	Gear Combination
CS-HG400-9	11T	25T	11-12-13-15-17-19-21-23-25
CS-HG400-9	11T	28T	11-12-13-14-16-18-21-24-28
CS-HG400-9(aR)	11T	32T	11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32
CS-HG400-9	11T	34T	11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34
CS-HG400-9	11T	36T	11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-36
CS-HG400-9	12T	36T	12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36

CS-HG400-9 | Shimano

CS-M770

A former model from Shimano’s DEORE XT MTB components during the 9-speed era. The finish is shot-chrome, and the cutout design helps reduce weight.

Model	Top	Low	Gear Combination
CS-M770	11T	32T	11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32
CS-M770	11T	34T	11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34

CS-HG80-9

A cassette from Shimano’s SAINT, SLX, and DEORE LX generation MTB components. Made of steel with a shot-chrome and shot-nickel finish. The cutout design reduces weight. An 11-28T option is available, making it closer to road bike configurations.

Model	Top	Low	Gear Combination
CS-HG80-9	11T	28T	11-12-13-14-16-18-21-24-28
CS-HG80-9	11T	32T	11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32
CS-HG80-9	11T	34T	11-13-15-17-20-23-26-

LINKGLIDE 9-Speed Sprockets

LINKGLIDE 9-speed sprockets for Shimano’s CUES components. Currently, there are two models available, each offered in three different gear ranges.

All configurations are wide-ratio, and unlike HYPERGLIDE models, LINKGLIDE offers ultra-wide options like 11-41T and 11-46T, which is a notable feature.

Model No.	Shifting Technology	11-36T	11-41T	11-46T
CS-LG400-9	LINKGLIDE	◎	◎	◎
CS-LG300-9	LINKGLIDE	◎	◎	◎

Both models share the same gear configurations—the difference lies in the finish. The CS-LG400-9 features a premium metallic design that gives it a high-end appearance.

For details on CUES compatibility, see the page below.

Shimano CUES Components: Complete Lineup & Compatibility Guide

Complete guide to Shimano CUES components: Specs, LinkGlide durability, Di2 options & compatibility with existing groupsets.

CS-LG400-9

A sprocket from Shimano’s CUES 9-speed “U4000” series. It comes in three wide-ratio gear configurations.

As Shimano describes it, the “premium metallic design” gives it a glossy finish and an upscale feel, enhancing the satisfaction of ownership.

Model No.	Top	Low	Gear Combination
CS-LG400-9	11T	36T	11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-36T
CS-LG400-9	11T	41T	11-13-15-17-20-23-28-34-41T
CS-LG400-9	11T	46T	11-13-15-17-20-23-28-36-46T

CS-LG300-9

An entry-level sprocket in Shimano’s CUES series. It has the same gear configurations as the higher-end CS-LG400-9, available in three wide-ratio options.

The price difference from the upper model is about ¥1,000 at retail, making the CS-LG300-9 a good choice if you want to keep costs down.

Model No.	Top	Low	Gear Combination
CS-LG300-9	11T	36T	11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-36T
CS-LG300-9	11T	41T	11-13-15-17-20-23-28-34-41T
CS-LG300-9	11T	46T	11-13-15-17-20-23-28-36-46T

Frequently Asked Questions About Shimano 9-Speed Cassettes

Q.

How long does a Shimano 9-speed cassette last?

A.

The lifespan of a cassette depends on factors such as riding distance and gear usage, but generally, it is said to last around 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers.

Shimano cassettes tend to have thinner individual gears as the number of speeds increases from 9-speed upwards, so their lifespan is typically shorter compared to cassettes with 8 speeds or fewer.

Q.

How do you replace a Shimano 9-speed cassette?

A. Replacing a Shimano 9-speed cassette follows the same procedure as other Shimano freehub cassettes. For installation, you need a special tool called a “lockring tool.” For removal, you use both the “lockring tool” and a “chain whip” (also known as a “sprocket remover”) to prevent the cassette from spinning. Q.

Can 9-speed road or MTB cassettes be used with CUES?

A.

9-speed cassettes for road and MTB use the “HYPERGLIDE” standard, while CUES 9-speed cassettes use a different standard called “LINKGLIDE.” Therefore, they are not compatible.

As a result, 9-speed road or MTB cassettes cannot be used with CUES components.

1. HYPERGLIDE+ | Shimano ↩︎

2. What is SHIMANO LINKGLIDE? | Shimano ↩︎