Shimano's Hyperglide+ technology has been around for a while now, but with their Linkglide technology being relatively new, we wanted to do a general overview and comparison between the two.

In the following article we are going to go over all the differences between Shimano's Hyperglide+ technology and their Linkglide technology.

Shimano Hyperglide+ VS. Linkglide

 

What is Hyperglide+ Technology?

This is what Shimano has to say about their Hyperglide+ Technology:

"HYPERGLIDE+ will help kickstart the next generation of mountain bike riding by introducing continuous pedaling over virtually any terrain. This revamped drive system and dedicated chain deliver fast shifting, efficient power transfer and chain stability like you’ve never experienced before. It helps riders adapt to drastically changing trail conditions by precisely judging the optimal shifting moment for consistently smooth operation. HYPERGLIDE+ helps riders seamlessly maneuver rough trails by reducing pedaling shock and cutting shifting times by a 1/3. (vs. current HG system)" - SHIMANO

Benefits & Features

1. Better chain engagement, stronger retention, and smoother pedaling provide greater power and confidence over rapidly changing terrain.

2. Definitive up & down shifting in both directions boosts riders’ concentration and acceleration.

3. Ultra-efficient drivetrain with smoother power transmission increases comfort and reduces rider stress.

4. A wide range of gearing choices, cassette options and the choice of a single or double front chainring support a wide variety of riding styles, abilities and preferences.

Available Series

What is Linkglide Technology?

This is what Shimano has to say about their Linkglide Technology:

"Adding versatility to its drivetrain lineup, Shimano introduces its new LINKGLIDE technology, designed and engineered to increase drivetrain durability while further enhancing the seamless shifting that Shimano is renowned for. LINKGLIDE components offer a more robust drivetrain option for a wide variety of bikes and riding styles, providing better resistance to wear and tear and extending maintenance intervals for each component. While Shimano HYPERGLIDE+ drivetrains remain the lightweight, fast-shifting choice for performance-oriented riders, LINKGLIDE components deliver long-lasting, smooth shifting for a broader range of application. " - SHIMANO

Available Series

Compatibility

The biggest difference with compatibility between Hyperglide+ and Linkglide is the speeds that they are available in. Hyperglide+ components are 12 speed specific and Linkglide components are only designed for 10 and 11 speed drivetrains. That means that you can't mix and match Hyperglide+ and Linkglide components. The available series' that are listed above for Hyperglide+ are all 12 speed specific. In contrast, the available series' listed above for Linkglide are all 10 and 11 speed specific.

Weight & Price

As with many MTB components, there is usually a tradeoff between price and weight. The same applies to Hyperglide+ and Linkglide. While Hyperglide+ is a more lightweight option it is going to cost you more than Linkglide. In comparison, Linkglide components will be more affordable, but will weigh quite a bit more.

For example, a Deore XT M8100 12 speed cassette that features Hyperglide+ retails for $209.95CAD and weighs 470 grams. The LG700 11 speed cassette that features Linkglide retails for $169.95CAD but weighs 609 grams. That is a $40 difference in price and a 139 gram difference in weight. It doesn't seem like much, but if you apply that to all components within the drivetrain it adds up fast.

Getting Technical With Shimano Product Manager Nick Murdick

In a recent Pinkbike podcast, hosts Mike Levy and Brian Park had Shimano product manager Nick Murdick as a guest to discuss Shimano's Linkglide drivetrain. During the podcast they discuss the differences between Hyperglide+ and Linkglide. Here is an excerpt of the podcast where Nick gets a bit more technical in breaking down some of the differences between the two technologies:

Levy: Can you explain what a shift gate is? And why it's so important to have everything shift smoothly and quickly?

Nick: Yeah, this is maybe a good opportunity to draw a line between Hyperglide + and Linkglide. We could call it a shift gate or shift ramp, they're not really properly well-defined terms. For me, I've kind of always thought of a shift gate as letting the chain go, and a shift ramp kind of pulling a chain up. Linkglide is using more shift ramps to guide the chain down. A shift gate felt like it was more appropriate with Hyperglide because it literally is letting the chain go. And that's why when you're shifting to a higher gear with Hyperglide, you get this clunk, clunk, clunk as you move into higher gears, like this very satisfying clunk. That was what we all got used to, right? Until Hyperglide + came around.

The way that Hyperglide+ works is that it gets rid of a nagging engineering problem that has been around since modern bicycle chains started moving across cassettes have been out. The inner plates and outer plates are not the same, they don't have the same space between them. And your shift ramps on the cassette, they don't know if it's going to be an inner plate or an outer plate that's coming around. You have to design that shift ramp gate to be able to work with both of them.

So the way that Hyperglide+ works, the key thing is the inner plate is extended past the roller into the space where the outer plates sit. That means that the chain plate is contacting the teeth on the cassette at a consistent width all the time. So that's why if you have a non-Hyperglide+ chain on your Hyperglide+ cassette, you don't have Hyperglide+ shifting because you don't have this consistent width anymore.

So relying on that surface area contact from the extended interlinked plate on the chain is a key part of how Hyperglide+ works. It's relying on the chain to basically keep holding onto the last tooth before the shift gate on the larger cog. So you start shifting down to the smaller cog and with Hyperglide, and as soon as it starts that momentum of dropping down to a smaller cog, the chain wants to just whip down the rest of the way on its own. So the simple thing that Hyperglide+ does is it just tries really hard to not let go of the chain so that you can start driving the smaller cog immediately. You're not waiting for the chain to kind of shift forward, skip forward, and slam up against the teeth and start pulling it. You can start driving it right away.

Actually, a Hyperglide+ shift takes longer to finish, but it starts driving the next gear faster. Linkglide works a different way. It's just a shift ramp that guides the chain down, so it's never just letting the chain go. And it's not just holding onto the chain until it rotates out of the way. It's waiting for a shift gate or ramp to come along, and then the chain will take that shift gate and basically take the escalator down to the next cog, instead of getting let go.

Click here to listen to the full podcast.

Shimano Hyperglide+ vs. Linkglide Recap

To recap, Shimano's HYPERGLIDE+ (12-speed) technology prioritizes quick shifting and weight-savings. LINKGLIDE technology prioritizes longevity and smoothness of shifting.

Not only is Hyperglide+ lighter but it also does so while featuring an additional cog. The range offered with Hyperglide+ is also larger (510% versus Linglide's 455%). All of this points to Hyperglide being the performance, premium option and it seems Shimano is very comfortable with that. Hyperglide+ is the technology that will give you a faster shift, greater range and lower weight.

LinkGlide isn't about outperforming Hyperglide+ as an option for racers. It's more about catering to the needs of entry-level riders, e-bikers and riders who want a durable cassette that is smooth under power.

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Looking for some Shimano components with Hyperglide+ or Linkglide? We stock XTR, XT, SLX, and Deore components that all feature Hyperglide+. We also have Linkglide components available in Deore XT. You can shop our full selection of Shimano components here.

Remember that we offer free shipping on all orders over $149CAD. All orders are shipped out within 24 business hours as well.

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