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Shimano Cassettes

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Shimano cassettes are the cluster of sprockets on your rear wheel, and choosing one means matching the number of speeds, the gear range and the way it fits the hub. Older and entry bikes may use a threaded freewheel instead of a cassette, so check which one your wheel has before buying a replacement.

Read more: cassette or freewheel, freehub bodies, gear range, shifting systems

Cassette or freewheel

A cassette slides onto a splined freehub body built into the rear hub and is held in place by a lockring. A freewheel screws onto the hub and contains its own ratchet, and is common on 6 and 7-speed entry bikes. The two are not interchangeable, and each needs its own removal tool.

Freehub bodies

Shimano HG freehub bodies take 8 to 11-speed cassettes, with road 11-speed cassettes needing the longer road body and a spacer for narrower cassettes. Shimano 12-speed mountain bike cassettes use Micro Spline, while 12-speed road cassettes fit the road 11-speed HG body. Check your hub before ordering.

Choosing a gear range

The smallest and largest cogs set your gearing. Close-ratio road cassettes such as 11-28 keep the jumps small for flat and rolling roads, while wider ranges such as 11-34 and beyond make climbs easier. A bigger largest cog may need a longer derailleur cage, so check the derailleur's maximum.

Hyperglide, Hyperglide+ and Linkglide

Hyperglide is Shimano's long-running shifting profile. Hyperglide+ refines 12-speed shifting under load, and Linkglide, used on CUES, trades a little shift speed for much longer wear. Each system works best with its matching chain and derailleur.

Not sure which cassette fits your wheel and derailleur? Ask TBA Guide, our chat assistant.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Shimano cassette fits my wheel?

A Shimano cassette fits your wheel when the freehub body matches: HG bodies take 8 to 11-speed cassettes, road 11 and 12-speed cassettes need the longer road HG body, and 12-speed mountain bike cassettes need Micro Spline. Threaded hubs take a freewheel instead. Check the hub model, or remove the old cassette to see the body.

Can I put an 11-speed cassette on a 10-speed freehub?

A Shimano mountain bike 11-speed cassette fits a standard 8 to 10-speed HG freehub, but a Shimano road 11-speed cassette does not, because it is wider and needs the longer road 11-speed body. You will also need an 11-speed shifter, an 11-speed chain and a compatible rear derailleur before you can use the extra gear.

What is the difference between a cassette and a freewheel?

A cassette is a set of sprockets that slides onto a freehub body built into the rear hub, while a freewheel screws onto the hub with its own ratchet inside. Cassettes are lighter and stronger and are used on most modern bikes, while freewheels suit 6 and 7-speed entry bikes. Each needs a different removal tool.

Which cassette ratio is best for climbing?

For climbing, choose a cassette with a larger biggest cog, such as 32 or 34 teeth on a road bike or 46 to 51 teeth on a 1x mountain bike, because it gives you an easier lowest gear. Confirm that your rear derailleur is rated for that largest cog, since going beyond its rating causes poor shifting and chain problems.

How long does a Shimano cassette last?

A Shimano cassette usually lasts through two or three chains if you replace each chain before it wears past 0.5 percent on a road bike or about 0.75 percent on a mountain bike. If a new chain skips under load, the cassette is worn too. Linkglide cassettes are designed to last noticeably longer than standard Hyperglide ones.

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