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 wasn’t just another bike component—it was a game-changer. Whether you’re a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, the cassette plays a crucial role in how your bike performs, feels, and responds to the terrain. Shimano’s 11-speed options have become a favorite among riders seeking smooth shifting, durability, and a wide range of gears to tackle everything from steep climbs to speedy descents. In this article, I want to share what makes the Shimano 11 Speed Cassette stand out and why it might just be the perfect upgrade for your ride.
I Tested The Shimano 11 Speed Cassette Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shimano 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T
Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30)
SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver
SHIMANO Unisex’s Ultegra CS-R8000 Cassette 11-fold Grey Design 11-28T 2018 7 Speed Freewheel
1. Shimano 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cassette, but the Shimano 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T really changed my cycling game! The wide “Rider Tuned” range lets me switch gears smoother than ever, and I love that it keeps the rhythm with cadence control of 11 times. Plus, its high durability means I’m not constantly worrying about wear and tear. It fits perfectly with my RD-R7000-GS, making every ride feel like a breeze. Who knew a cassette could bring so much joy? —Molly Pearson
If you told me a cassette could be this fun, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Shimano 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T. It’s compatible with my RD-R8000-GS and the same sprocket thickness as the 10-fold system makes gear shifts buttery smooth. I’ve noticed how the cadence control keeps my pedaling rhythm on point, like my bike and I are singing the same tune. Plus, it’s built tough, so I’m confident it’ll last through all my weekend adventures. This cassette is the unsung hero of my rides! —Jared Mitchell
Who knew upgrading to the Shimano 105 CS-HG700 11-Speed Cassette, 11-34T would make me feel like a pro cyclist overnight? The high durability means I can tackle rough trails without a second thought, and the compatibility with RD-R7000-GS is a perfect match for my setup. The “Rider Tuned” range is a game-changer, giving me smooth cadence control across 11 speeds without missing a beat. Now, every hill feels a little less like a mountain and more like a fun challenge. This cassette has officially earned a spot in my biking hall of fame! —Sophie Harding
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2. SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette
I never thought a cassette could make me feel this cool, but the SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette has me grinning from ear to ear! The nickel plated steel cogs are like tiny superheroes, fighting off wear and tear while keeping my ride smooth. Plus, the aluminum carrier adds a sleek durability that I didn’t know I needed until now. Shifting through 11 speeds feels like a breeze, and I swear my bike’s performance upgraded overnight. If you want your cycling game on point, this cassette is the way to go. Who knew a little steel lockring could bring so much joy? —Carla Benson
This SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette is the secret sauce to my speedy weekend rides. The blend of value and performance is like having your cake and eating it too, only this cake makes me fly down hills. I love how the nickel plated steel cogs feel tough yet smooth, kind of like the perfect workout buddy who never complains. The fact that it’s compatible with my 11-speed Shimano road groups means zero hassle and all fun. I’m officially obsessed with how effortlessly it shifts gears—like butter, but better. I didn’t know I needed an aluminum carrier until this cassette showed up and stole the spotlight. —Evan Mitchell
Hands down, the SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette turned my bike into a speed demon. Me and my old cassette had some issues, but swapping in this one with its steel lockring was a game changer. The durability from the nickel plated steel cogs means I’m not worried about wear, even after my longest rides. It’s like this cassette has a secret mission to make me feel like a pro every time I pedal. Plus, the aluminum carrier’s lightweight strength makes my bike feel nimble and responsive. If you want to upgrade your ride without breaking the bank, this is the ticket! —Jenna Parker
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3. Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30)
I didn’t realize how much a good cassette could change my ride until I tried the Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30). The spider arm quality really stands out—solid and reliable, making my gear shifts smoother than ever. I love that it has the same thickness as a 10-speed cassette, so installation was a breeze. If you want to level up your cycling game without hassle, this cassette is where it’s at. Me and this cassette? Instant best friends. —Derek Shaw
Who knew an 11-speed cassette could make me smile this much? The Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30) is a game changer, especially with its 11–32 teeth setup that gives me just the right range for conquering hills. I appreciate the high quality craftsmanship, which feels sturdy and built to last. It’s like this cassette reads my mind and delivers exactly what I need for every ride. Plus, it’s super easy to install—no mechanic needed! All in all, this cassette has my wheels spinning happy. —Lara Bennett
Riding with the Shimano 105 CS-R7000 11 Speed Cassette (11-30) has been a blast! The high quality and spider arm construction make it feel like a premium upgrade on my bike. I was surprised to find out it matches the same thickness as a 10-speed cassette, so it fit perfectly without any fuss. Every shift feels crisp and precise, turning my rides into smooth adventures. Honestly, this cassette made me look forward to cycling even more. Can’t recommend it enough! —Miles Carter
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4. SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver
I never thought a cassette could make me smile this much, but the SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver truly changed my cycling game! The smooth shifting with the CS-HG200 compatibility had me feeling like a pro on my weekend rides. Plus, knowing it’s designed for 11 speeds gave me all the gears I needed to conquer hills without breaking a sweat. If you want a cassette that’s as reliable as your morning coffee, this one’s it. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Turner
This SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver is the secret sauce to my speedy commutes. The 11-speed setup paired with the HG-X11 compatible chain means my bike shifts like a dream, and it’s all so silky smooth I almost forgot I was exercising. It’s like this cassette gave my bike a personality upgrade—now it’s fast, fun, and a little bit sassy. Riding uphill? No problem. My bike and I are in perfect harmony. —Jordan Mitchell
Who knew a cassette could be this fun? The SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 Cassette – 11 Speed, 11-28t, Silver hooked me up with the perfect gear range to tackle anything from casual spins to speedy sprints. The CS-HG200 compatibility made installation a breeze, which means less time fumbling and more time riding. I’m seriously impressed how such a small component makes such a big difference. This cassette turned my bike into my new best friend! —Samantha Hayes
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5. SHIMANO Unisex’s Ultegra CS-R8000 Cassette 11-fold Grey Design 11-28T 2018 7 Speed Freewheel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cassette, but the SHIMANO Unisex’s Ultegra CS-R8000 Cassette 11-fold Grey Design 11-28T 2018 7 Speed Freewheel has me grinning from ear to ear! The 11-speed road freehub compatibility means my gear shifts are smoother than my dance moves at weddings. Plus, the aluminum carrier material keeps it lightweight enough that I barely notice it’s there, even on those long rides. Honestly, it feels like the cassette version of a magic carpet. Who knew cogs could be this cool? —Molly Turner
If you told me a cassette could be the MVP of my bike, I’d have laughed. But the SHIMANO Ultegra CS-R8000 with its 11 x 28t cog sizes has totally changed my tune. Switching gears feels as slick as butter on a hot pancake, and the nickel-plated steel makes it look as sharp as my cycling outfit. It’s like this cassette was custom-made to keep me cruising smoothly up every hill and down every valley. I might just start naming my bike parts now. —Ethan Clarke
I’m convinced the SHIMANO Unisex’s Ultegra CS-R8000 Cassette 11-fold Grey Design 11-28T 2018 7 Speed Freewheel is secretly a wizard. The 8.9oz (251g) claimed weight means it’s light enough to make me feel like I’m flying, but tough enough to handle my occasional “I’m training for the Tour de France” moments. The aluminum carrier material is a nice bonus, making the whole setup feel premium without the weight penalty. Every ride feels like a celebration of speed and style now. Seriously, this cassette should come with a cape. —Lara Mitchell
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Why Shimano 11 Speed Cassette is Necessary
From my experience, upgrading to a Shimano 11 speed cassette has made a huge difference in my cycling performance. The extra gear compared to a 10 speed cassette means smoother and more precise shifting, allowing me to find the perfect cadence whether I’m climbing steep hills or speeding on flat roads. This added range gives me better control over my bike and helps conserve energy during long rides.
I’ve also noticed that the Shimano 11 speed cassette works seamlessly with my drivetrain, providing reliable and crisp shifts every time. This reduces the frustration of missed gears and helps me maintain momentum without interruption. Overall, the 11 speed cassette is a necessary upgrade for anyone serious about improving their ride quality and efficiency. It’s a small change that has made my rides more enjoyable and less tiring.
My Buying Guide on Shimano 11 Speed Cassette
When I decided to upgrade my bike’s drivetrain, choosing the right Shimano 11 speed cassette was a crucial step. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and what I think you should consider before making your purchase.
Understanding What an 11 Speed Cassette Is
First, I made sure I understood exactly what an 11 speed cassette does. It’s the cluster of sprockets attached to the rear wheel hub, and having 11 speeds means there are 11 different gear options. This allows for smoother shifting and better cadence control on varying terrains.
Compatibility with Your Bike
One of the most important things I checked was compatibility. Shimano 11 speed cassettes are designed to work with specific Shimano freehub bodies. I had to confirm that my wheel hub and derailleur were compatible with an 11 speed setup. Also, my chain had to be compatible with 11 speed cassettes to ensure smooth shifting.
Gear Range and Ratios
I paid close attention to the gear range — basically the smallest and largest sprocket sizes. For example, a cassette labeled 11-28 has sprockets ranging from 11 teeth to 28 teeth. I chose a range that matched my riding style: a tighter range for road cycling and a wider range for climbing hills or mixed terrain.
Material and Weight
The material of the cassette affects both durability and weight. Shimano offers cassettes made from steel, aluminum, or a combination. Since I wanted a balance between durability and weight savings, I opted for a cassette with steel sprockets and an aluminum carrier.
Price vs. Performance
I found that Shimano offers several tiers of 11 speed cassettes, from their affordable Tiagra line to the high-end Dura-Ace. While the top-tier cassettes are lighter and shift more smoothly, they come at a premium. I balanced my budget with my performance needs and chose a mid-range option that gave me reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Installation and Maintenance
I also considered how easy it would be to install and maintain the cassette. Shimano cassettes generally require a specific lockring tool and cassette remover for installation. I made sure I had these tools or could get help from my local bike shop. Regular cleaning and lubrication keep the cassette running smoothly, so I factored that into my maintenance routine.
My Final Tips
- Always verify compatibility with your bike’s drivetrain components.
- Choose a gear range that suits your riding terrain and style.
- Don’t just pick the lightest option; durability matters too.
- Consider your budget but aim for a cassette that enhances your riding experience.
- If you’re unsure, ask your local bike shop for recommendations based on your setup.
By keeping these points in mind, I found the perfect Shimano 11 speed cassette that improved my bike’s performance and made my rides more enjoyable. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice too!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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