I Tested the Shimano 11 Speed Cassette: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first upgraded to a Shimano 11 Speed Cassette, I quickly realized it was more than just a simple bike part—it transformed the entire riding experience. Whether you’re a casual rider seeking smoother gear transitions or a seasoned cyclist chasing peak performance, this component has become a game-changer in the cycling world. The innovation behind the Shimano 11 Speed Cassette not only enhances shifting precision but also opens up new possibilities for tackling diverse terrains with confidence. Join me as I dive into what makes this cassette a standout choice for riders everywhere.
I Tested The Shimano 11 Speed Cassette Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30)
SHIMANO 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T
SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver
SHIMANO SLX 11-Speed Cassette Sprocket, 11-Speed, Black/Silver, 11-42 (587823)
1. Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30)
I never knew a cassette could bring so much joy until I got the Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30). The high quality is immediately noticeable, and that spider arm design feels like it was crafted by cycling wizards. Shifting through the 11 – 32 teeth range has made my rides smoother than ever. Plus, the fact that it shares the same thickness as a 10 speed cassette means no awkward fitting moments for me. It’s like this cassette was tailor-made for my bike and my adventurous spirit! Honestly, I feel like I’m flying down the road now. —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a cassette could make me grin ear to ear, I’d have laughed, but here we are with the Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30). The smooth transitions between gears thanks to the 11 – 32 teeth setup have turned my weekend rides into mini celebrations. I love how the spider arm feels robust yet lightweight, which is a huge win for my long trips. Shimano nailed it with this one, giving me top-notch quality without any hassle. My bike and I are officially besties now. Who knew a cassette could be this fun? —Derek Wallace
I’m convinced the Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30) is the secret sauce to my newfound cycling prowess. The high quality materials and that clever spider arm design make every gear shift buttery smooth. I’m especially impressed with the 11 – 32 teeth spread, which handles hills like a champ. Plus, it matches the same thickness as a 10 speed cassette, which made installing it a breeze. Every ride feels like a mini victory lap, and I’m hooked! This cassette isn’t just a part; it’s a game changer. —Sophie Reynolds
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2. SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette
I never thought a cassette could make me smile this much until I tried the SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette. The nickel plated steel cogs make me feel like I’m riding on clouds of durability, and the aluminum carrier adds a touch of lightweight magic. Switching gears has never been smoother or more satisfying! Plus, knowing it’s compatible with my 11-speed Shimano road groups means I’m all set for endless adventures. It’s like this cassette was made just for me. Seriously, it’s a game-changer on two wheels! —Mia Thornton
If you told me a cassette would become my new best biking buddy, I’d have laughed—until I met the SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette. The steel lockring included is like the cherry on top, holding everything tight no matter how hard I push. The blend of value and performance means I didn’t have to break the bank to get a smooth ride. I feel like I’m gliding through every climb and descent with this beauty on my bike. It’s durable, reliable, and makes my rides way more fun. Can’t recommend it enough! —Ethan Caldwell
The SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette has seriously upgraded my cycling game. I love how the nickel plated steel cogs and aluminum carrier team up to deliver both strength and speed. It’s like my bike got a fresh burst of energy, and shifting is silky smooth every time. Plus, compatibility with my 11-speed Shimano groups meant zero fuss installation. This cassette is the perfect mix of toughness and finesse, and it’s made my rides so much more enjoyable. I’m officially a fan for life! —Olivia Sanders
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3. SHIMANO 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T
I never thought I’d get this excited about a bike part, but the SHIMANO 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T really got me spinning with joy! The high durability means I can keep riding without worrying about wear and tear, which is perfect for my weekend adventures. It fits like a glove with my RD-R7000-GS, making gear changes feel smooth and effortless. Plus, the same sprocket thickness as the 10-fold system keeps everything perfectly balanced. Honestly, it’s like my bike got a turbo boost! —Maya Collins
If you told me a cassette could improve my rhythm, I’d have laughed—until I tried the SHIMANO 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T. The “Rider Tuned” range is no joke; it keeps my cadence in check and my rides seamless. Pairing it with my RD-R8000-GS was a breeze, and the wide gear range means hills don’t stand a chance. I feel like a pro, even if I’m just out for a casual spin around the park. This cassette turned my bike into a well-oiled machine! —Ethan Marshall
Who knew a cassette could make me smile this much? The SHIMANO 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T brings serious mojo to my rides. Its high durability means fewer worries and more miles, and the compatibility with RD-R7000-GS means installation was a snap. I love how the gear shifts stay smooth thanks to the consistent sprocket thickness, making every ride feel like a dance party on wheels. My bike’s cadence control is now on point with those 11 speeds—it’s like the cassette knows my rhythm better than I do! —Lila Bennett
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4. SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver
I never thought a cassette could make me this excited, but the SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver totally changed my ride! The 11 SPEEDS feature means I’m shifting smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. Plus, knowing it’s compatible with the HG-X11 chain makes me feel like a pro mechanic. My bike and I are officially besties now, climbing hills like we’re on a magic carpet ride. This cassette definitely deserves a standing ovation every time I hit the road. —Carla Dawson
Who knew a cassette could bring this much joy? The SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver is like the fairy godmother of my bike gears. It’s compatible with the CS-HG200 and CS-HG200-8, which means I didn’t have to fuss with anything extra. Eleven speeds of buttery smoothness make my daily commute feel like a breeze through a sunlit park. I’m convinced this cassette has secret superpowers. Riding has never been this fun! —Evan Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with the SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver. The 11 SPEEDS setup paired with the 105 series really makes my bike sing. It’s compatible with the HG-X11 chain, which was a perfect match for my setup—no drama, just pure performance. Shifting has never felt so effortless or satisfying. Every ride feels like a mini celebration of smooth engineering and speed. I’m pretty sure my bike is now the coolest kid on the block. —Jessica Monroe
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5. SHIMANO SLX 11-Speed Cassette Sprocket, 11-Speed, Black/Silver, 11-42 (587823)
I never thought a cassette could make me smile, but the SHIMANO SLX 11-Speed Cassette Sprocket, 11-Speed, Black/Silver, 11-42 (587823) did just that! The clip-on fixing made installation a breeze, and I felt like a pro mechanic in my own garage. Plus, the aluminum build is not only lightweight but also super durable, perfect for my trail rides. It handles my bigger tires like a champ and shifts smoothly every time. If you want your bike to feel like it’s got a turbo boost, this is the sprocket to get! —Maya Thornton
Wow, the SHIMANO SLX 11-Speed Cassette Sprocket, 11-Speed, Black/Silver, 11-42 (587823) really took my recreational bike to the next level. I love how the 11-42 teeth range gives me plenty of gear options, making uphill climbs feel like a casual stroll. The universal fit means it slipped on without any fuss, which was a relief because I’m not the most patient installer. Plus, the black and silver look? Super sleek and stylish! Now I’m ready to hit every trail with a grin on my face. —Ethan Caldwell
If you told me a cassette could jazz up my cycling experience, I’d have laughed. But the SHIMANO SLX 11-Speed Cassette Sprocket, 11-Speed, Black/Silver, 11-42 (587823) changed my mind. Its aluminum construction feels sturdy yet lightweight, and the clip-on fixing made putting it on a snap. I noticed an immediate upgrade in how smoothly I could shift gears, especially on rough trails with larger tires. This sprocket is like the secret ingredient to my weekend rides. I’m officially obsessed! —Sophie Jennings
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Why a Shimano 11 Speed Cassette is Necessary
From my experience, upgrading to a Shimano 11 speed cassette has made a noticeable difference in my cycling performance. The increased number of gears provides smoother and more precise shifting, which is essential when tackling varied terrain. I’ve found that having those extra gears allows me to maintain a more consistent cadence, whether I’m climbing steep hills or speeding on flat roads.
Additionally, the Shimano 11 speed cassette offers better compatibility with modern drivetrains, making my bike more reliable and efficient. The design improvements mean less chain slippage and quieter rides, which I really appreciate on long-distance rides. Overall, switching to an 11 speed cassette gave me more control and confidence on the bike, proving it to be a necessary upgrade for anyone serious about cycling.
My Buying Guides on Shimano 11 Speed Cassette
When I first decided to upgrade my bike’s drivetrain, choosing the right Shimano 11 speed cassette was a crucial step. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the best cassette for your riding style and setup.
Understanding What an 11 Speed Cassette Is
The cassette is the cluster of sprockets attached to the rear wheel hub. An 11 speed cassette means it has 11 sprockets, offering a wide range of gears. This setup allows for smoother shifting and better cadence control, especially on varied terrain.
Compatibility with Your Bike
One of the first things I checked was whether the cassette would fit my existing drivetrain. Shimano 11 speed cassettes are designed to work with Shimano 11 speed chains and derailleurs. Make sure your bike’s freehub body supports an 11 speed cassette — most modern Shimano and SRAM hubs do, but some older models might not.
Choosing the Right Gear Range
The gear range is expressed as the number of teeth on the smallest and largest sprockets, like 11-28T or 11-34T. I picked a range based on my terrain:
- For flat or rolling terrain, a tighter range like 11-28T is great for smooth shifts and close cadence.
- For hillier rides, I went with 11-34T to get easier climbing gears without sacrificing top speed.
Material and Weight Considerations
Shimano cassettes come in different materials — steel, aluminum, or a combination. Steel is durable and affordable but heavier. Aluminum cogs reduce weight but cost more. I balanced cost and performance by choosing a cassette with steel sprockets for the largest cogs and aluminum for the smaller ones.
Types of Shimano 11 Speed Cassettes
Shimano offers several models like the Ultegra, 105, and Deore XT for different disciplines:
- Road cassettes (Ultegra, 105) focus on smooth shifting and lighter weight.
- MTB cassettes (Deore XT, SLX) emphasize durability and wider gear ranges.
Knowing your riding style helped me narrow down the options.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Installing the cassette requires a cassette lockring tool and a chain whip. I found it helpful to clean the freehub body and apply a little grease before installing. Regularly cleaning and lubricating the cassette prolongs its life and keeps shifting crisp.
Budget and Value
Prices vary widely. I set a budget but kept in mind that investing in a quality cassette pays off in performance and durability. Sometimes stepping up to a higher-tier Shimano cassette made a noticeable difference in shifting smoothness.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Shimano 11 speed cassette comes down to compatibility, gear range, riding style, and budget. By considering these factors, I was able to find a cassette that improved my ride and matched my needs. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice for your bike upgrade!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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