Shimano Linkglide Deore XT Drivetrain – All You Need to Know
The Shimano Linkglide Deore XT drivetrain has been around for a while now, and since we recently received a shipment and now have the full drivetrain in stock, we thought it would be a great time to do a complete overview of the drivetrain. Read below to find out all you need to know about the Shimano Linkglide Deore XT drivetrain.
Click here to shop Shimano Linkglide Deore XT
Shimano Linkglide Deore XT Drivetrain - All You Need to Know
What is Shimano Linkglide?
Linkglide technology was launched by Shimano in 2021, and this is what they have to say about the 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
The main goal behind Linkglide from Shimano was to offer a drivetrain that focuses on reducing tooth wear under high torque use, without impacting shift quality, all at an affordable price. And Shimano has done just that. Linkglide uses a new tooth profile that makes Linkglide cassettes 300% more durable than prior Hyperglide cassettes with three times less degradation to the cassette. The teeth feature a more robust and thicker construction, to prevent wear in the areas that sees the most degradation over time. LINKGLIDE cassette teeth also have a new top shape profile for smooth and seamless shifting in both directions. This means fewer chain skips, more riding before replacement or repairs, and smoother two-way shifting.
Linkglide Compatibility
Linkglide technology has so far only been introduced to Deore XT (1 x 11 speed) and Deore (1 x 10 speed). For now it is not available in a 12 speed option. For Deore XT and Deore there is a new Linkglide shifter, cassette, rear dearilleur, and chain. Each of the components will feature a LINKGLIDE logo to differentiate them from regular DEORE XT and DEORE components.
Due to different gear pitches, the Linkglide components are not cross-compatible with regular Deore XT and Deore components. If you want to change to Linkglide, you have to choose the complete range: cassette, rear derailleur, shifter, & chain. There is an exception to the chain, which will be discussed further on in this article.
Designed for E-Bikes
Linkglide components are designed for both e-MTB's and conventional bike drivetrains. Linkglide can be particularly advantageous for e-bikes because of the design improvements to the cassette. The cassette has been fine tuned so you can have smoother shifting under load. Due to greater forces with e-bikes this will help reduce tooth wear and increase the longevity of the cassette and overall drivetrain. Shimano says that it expects Linkglide to be specced as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) on many ebikes.
Linkglide Cassette
The Linkglide cassette is the component that received the most attention from Shimano out of the entire drivetrain, and for good reason. Cassettes receive a lot of stress and strain while riding, so it is important that Shimano really focused on getting this right, especially since they are designed for e-bikes. As mentioned above, the teeth feature a more robust and thicker construction to prevent tooth wear. On top of this, 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 reduce pedal shock or jumps during shifting, providing better pedalling fluidity and smoother pedalling performance. With the thicker tooth construction and new shifting gate design the Linkglide cassettes are 300% more durable than prior Hyperglide cassettes with three times less degradation to the cassette.
*LINKGLIDE cassettes are compatible with standard HG freehubs.*
CS-LG700 Cassette vs. CS-LG600 Cassette
When Shimano first launched Linkglide, the cassette model number was CS-LG600-11 and had a silver finish. Shimano has recently replaced this model with CS-LG700, which has a black finish and is technically a non-series cassette. While the CS-LG700 cassette is still a Linkglide cassette, it is not part of the Deore XT series. However, it is still compatible with all of the Linkglide Deore XT components. The biggest takeaway from this replacement is the difference in weight. The newer CS-LG700 cassette sheds 170 grams for a total weight of 609 grams. This is much better compared to the juggernaut CS-LG600 cassette that comes in at 780 grams.
Linkglide Rear Derailleur
Due to the revised tooth shape, new Linkglide rear derailleurs have been produced as well. For Deore XT, the 1 x 11 speed derailleur part number is RD-M8130-SGS. For the 1 x 10 speed counterpart the part number is RD-M5130-SGS.
"The DEORE XT M8130 LINKGLIDE 11-speed Rear Derailleur with SHADOW+ technology delights with its smooth and decisive shifting. Roomy chain clearance and stability over rough mountain terrains reduce chain slap and droppage." - SHIMANO
An improved stabiliser gives the chain more smoothness and minimises the initial pedalling shock during the shifting process. The result is a smoother shifting experience. In addition, Shimano speaks of a flat profile of the Linkglide rear derailleurs, which have been optimised for off-road use.
Linkglide Rear Shifter
The Linkglide shifter comes in three different model options. Two different options for 1 x 11 speed and one option for 1 x 10 speed. For the 11 speed system there is a shifter that connects directly to the brake lever which is the I-SPEC EV model (SL-M8130-IR11). The other 11 speed shifter is the lever with the bar mount clamp (SL-M8130-R11). For the 1 x 10 speed option the shifter is only available in the I-SPEC EV model (SL-M5130-R10).
Due to specific spacing of the sprockets on the Linkglide cassettes, new Linkglide shifters needed to be produced. While the transmission ratios differ from other 10 and 11 speed systems from Shimano, you can still adjust the position of the levers as usual. All feature 2-Way Release and Rapidfire Plus, while the XT level shifters also have Instant Release for faster shifting. The operation of the shifter itself is the same as other shifters from Shimano.
Linkglide Chain
Technically, Shimano didn't need to create a Linkglide specific chain. The only exception to compatibility between Hyperglide and Linkglide are the chains. Shimano’s existing Hyperglide chains are compatible with Linkglide. So you can run the ebike rated CN-HG601-11, CN-HG701-11 or CN-HG901-11 chains with Linkglide cassettes and mechs. This also includes the CN-E8000-11 chain, which has been awarded the “E-Bike Designed” label.
Nevertheless, Shimano still produced a Linkglide chain, which is model CN-LG500.
The CN-LG500 chain is 10 and 11 speed compatible. Shimano emphasizes that less wear will be expected by using this chain if gear changes are made regularly. In this case the Linkglide chain has its advantages, but if you're always staying in the same gear you won't notice a difference between the Hyperglide chains.
Weight & Price (FOR DEORE XT)
Our Take
It is refreshing to see a company like Shimano set out to make a drivetrain that not only costs less, but lasts longer as well. We feel that this statement from Filip Scholliers, Shimano’s MTB product planner, really sums up Linkglide:
“We noticed that less experienced cyclists ride in the same gear, sometimes under excessive torque, for long periods of time, which puts strain on their drivetrain. As well as that, riders who shift under torque also cause excess wear and tear and ultimately a loss of drivetrain performance. Hyperglide+ technology still offers competitive cyclists a lightweight drivetrain with our quickest shifting, whereas Linkglide is an extra option for increased durability. Or to put it another way, Hyperglide+ is made for fast and Linkglide is made to last.”
We are happy to see Shimano set out to produce a drivetrain for less experienced riders, who may not necessarily care about weight and riding the best of the best. With a focus and durability, price, and smooth shifting under load, the Linkglide drivetrain is a great addition to Shimanos lineup.
Click here to shop Linkglide Deore XT components now. Remember that we offer free shipping on all orders over $149CAD. All orders are processed and shipped within 24 business hours as well.
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