Shimano CUES 1x9s Mechanical Brake Drop Bar Groupset

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

The Shimano CUES 1x9 Mechanical Disc Brake Groupset offers dependable shifting, durability, and simplicity for gravel, commuting, touring, and recreational road bikes. Using Shimano’s LINKGLIDE drivetrain technology, this setup is engineered for smoother shifting and significantly increased wear resistance—ideal for high-mileage and real-world riding.

Paired with U3030 mechanical shifters and RS305 flat-mount calipers, the groupset delivers reliable braking and intuitive control. A robust U6030 40T or 42T chainset, wide-range 11–36T LINKGLIDE cassette, and the U4020 SGS long-cage rear derailleur create a clean, practical 1x system with all the gearing you need for steep climbs, rolling terrain, and everyday rides.

This is a modern, low-maintenance drivetrain built around the durability and ease-of-use that Shimano CUES is known for.

Key Features

Reliable 1x9 LINKGLIDE Drivetrain

• LINKGLIDE cassette engineered for smoother shifting and extended lifespan
• Wide gearing ideal for gravel, hills, and mixed-terrain riding
• SGS long-cage derailleur optimised for stable chain management
• Simple, lightweight 1x setup with no front derailleur required

Mechanical Disc Brake Control

• U3030 9-speed Dual-Control shifters for mechanical disc brakes
• Shimano RS305 flat-mount mechanical brake caliper included
• Low-maintenance, reliable braking performance

Versatile Chainset Options

• U6030 crankset compatible with 9/10-speed systems
• Choice of 40T or 42T chainring depending on terrain preference
• Strong, efficient design suited for everyday riding

Durable & Rider-Focused Design

• LINKGLIDE chain for improved longevity and consistent power transfer
• Comfortable lever ergonomics suitable for long rides
• Excellent all-round performance for adventure and urban cycling

What’s Included (Full 1x9 Groupset)

Shifting & Braking

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

Drivetrain

• Shimano CUES U6030 Chainset – 40T or 42T (9/10-speed compatible)
• Shimano CUES U4020 Rear Derailleur – SGS Long Cage, 9-speed
• Shimano LINKGLIDE LG400 Cassette – 9-speed, 11–41T or 11-46T
• 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 offers a long-lasting, smooth-running drivetrain system with benefits including:

• LINKGLIDE durability and reduced wear
• Simple, low-maintenance 1x operation
• Wide gear range for climbing and versatile riding
• Mechanical disc brake reliability
• Excellent value for gravel, commuting, and recreational road bikes

Perfect for riders seeking a dependable upgrade or building a versatile mixed-terrain bike.

Perfect For

• Gravel bikes
• Commuting and utility bikes
• Touring and bikepacking setups
• Fitness and endurance road bikes running a 1x drivetrain

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.