Shimano CUES 2x9s Mechanical Brake Drop Bar Groupset

SHIMANO CUES offers all the confidence of a high-end groupset at an affordable price point.

The Shimano CUES 2x9 Mechanical Disc Brake Groupset brings smooth shifting, durability, and excellent value to gravel, road, touring, and recreational bikes. Built around Shimano’s LINKGLIDE technology, the drivetrain is engineered for long-lasting performance with reduced wear and exceptionally smooth gear changes—ideal for everyday riders and high-mileage cycling.

The U3030 mechanical shifters paired with RS305 flat-mount calipers deliver dependable braking and intuitive shifting. A compact or sub-compact U6030 chainset, wide-range 11–36T cassette, and the U4020 long-cage rear derailleur provide a versatile gear spread suitable for everything from climbing steep hills to fast road cruising. This is a reliable, modern 2x9 system with outstanding real-world durability.

Key Features

Durable LINKGLIDE Drivetrain

• LINKGLIDE 9-speed cassette for smooth shifting and reduced wear
• Wide 11–36T range ideal for mixed-terrain cycling
• SGS long-cage rear derailleur handles 2x gearing with ease

Mechanical Disc Brake Setup

• U3030 shifters designed for mechanical disc braking
• Paired with Shimano RS305 flat-mount mechanical caliper
• Reliable stopping performance with simple maintenance

Ergonomic & Versatile 2x System

• U6030 compact/sub-compact chainset: 50/34T or 46/32T
• 18 total gears for efficient cadence across varied terrain
• Front derailleur optimised for smooth 2x shifting

Reliable & Practical Design

• Ideal for gravel, commuting, touring, or fitness road bikes
• LINKGLIDE chain increases drivetrain life and consistency
• Compatible with modern frame standards through threaded or press-fit BB options

What’s Included

Shifting & Braking

• Shimano CUES U3030 9-Speed Mechanical Shifters
• Shimano RS305 Mechanical Flat-Mount Brake Calipers

Drivetrain

• Shimano CUES U6030 Chainset – 50/34T or 46/32T (9/10-speed compatible)
• Shimano CUES U4020 Rear Derailleur – SGS Long Cage, 9-speed
• Shimano CUES U6030 Double Front Derailleur – 9/10-speed
• Shimano LINKGLIDE LG400 Cassette – 9-speed, 11–36T
• Shimano LINKGLIDE LG500 HG-X Chain – 138L with Quick Link
• Bottom Bracket: BB-RS501 English Thread or BB-RS500 Press Fit

Why Choose Shimano CUES?

Shimano CUES is designed for real-world riding, offering:

• LINKGLIDE durability and smoother shifting
• Reliable mechanical braking
• Wide gearing for hills, commuting, and gravel
• Long-lasting components for high-mileage cyclists
• Excellent performance at an accessible price

This makes it an ideal groupset for riders looking to upgrade an older bike or build a versatile gravel/road machine without compromising on quality.

Perfect For

• Gravel and adventure bikes
• Touring and commuting builds
• Fitness and endurance road bikes
• Riders wanting a smooth, durable 2x system with mechanical brakes

DELIVERY

Delivery to mainland UK addresses are free for orders over £40. Except when you choose delivery to a third party (Click and Collect) there is a charge of £5.95 to cover some of the additional cost the couriers charge for this service. If you choose to collect from Fawkes warehouse there is no shipping charge.

There will an additional charge for deliveries to Highlands and Islands. 

RETURNS TO FAWKES

Whether it’s a jersey that doesn’t fit, or the colour is not quite right, sometimes you’ll need to return items to us.

If an item is 'as new' and has not been used or fitted in any way, you can return it to us by post within 90 days of delivery for a refund. Please ensure that the goods are returned in their original packaging and are in an unused condition.

Please click HERE to print and then complete the returns form and include it inside your parcel.

If you wish you can use our Royal Mail Returns service please follow the instructions on the link below to return your parcel to us.

Royal Mail Returns Service

Please pack the item carefully to avoid damaged during shipping.

Customers need to pay the cost of return delivery unless the item is faulty and this will be deducted from your refund, currently £3.95.

If your have a large item e.g. Child seat, Bike, trailer etc. please contact our customer service team at Guy@fawkes-cycles.co.uk to arrange the best way to return your item, the cost will be deducted from your refund.

You will not receive a refund for the retail value of any free or promotional items you are sent, and you will be charged if they are not returned.

UNWANTED ITEMS

If you change your mind on your purchase, you have a full 90 days to return it for a refund. All Goods must be unused, in a saleable condition and in their original packaging with all labels still attached.

Please pack the item carefully to avoid damaged during shipping.

There are some exclusions to our 90 day returns policy, which are detailed below:

Nutritional products or those with a best before date must be returned within 28 days*

Any customised items such as wheel builds cannot be returned*

GPS systems such as sports watches or cycle computers can only be returned if unregistered*

For hygiene reasons, any intimate garments such as facemasks, underwear and swimsuits can only be returned if the items are faulty.

*Unless faulty

If you wish to return your item for a refund, please follow the returns procedure above.

We try our best to process all refunds within 14 working days. We'll refund your item via your original payment method.

You will not receive a refund for the retail value of any free items you are sent, and Fawkes may charge you for this item if you fail to return it

FAULTY ITEMS

If you feel that your purchase has developed a fault, then please contact us with photographs of the issue before returning any goods - we may be able to solve your problem without you incurring any further inconvenience.

If you find a fault with your item, send it back to us and we'll take a look at it as soon as we can. Items sent back to us will undergo an inspection and it may be necessary to send the item away to the manufacturer to confirm the fault. If we confirm a manufacturing fault, we'll happily replace or refund it.

Please pack the item carefully to avoid damaged during shipping. 

Faulty items should be returned within a reasonable time and in a clean and dry condition. PLEASE NOTE, WE WILL NOT PROCESS DIRTY ITEMS.

Please enclose all your details and a covering note explaining the fault and any other useful details.

We'll try to get back to you within 14 working days of receipt of your parcel, although during busy periods this may take slightly longer.

Your statutory rights are not affected.

We reserve the right to recharge return carriage on items where no fault is identified.

Customer Service Email: Guy@Fawkes-Cycles.co.uk

Please contact us for our Payment & Security policy.