2023 Pinkbike Awards: Value Product of the Year Winner
Value can be a moving target, depending on what each dollar means to you and just exactly which item you're looking to buy. That spread was represented in this year's Value Product of the Year nominees, with items ranging from essential and inexpensive to frivolous and pricey - albeit much cheaper than competing products.
Though everyone has different budgets and values, we chose the item that best suits the vast majority of mountain bikers, one that will optimistically keep the sport open and accessible to anybody who wants to participate.
VALUE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Shimano CUES
Even though it stands for Create Unique ExperienceS.
Shimano CUES
Even though it stands for Create Unique ExperienceS.
Shimano's new CUES system is inexpensive - relative to the competition and within their own lineup. The highest tier group, U8000, is priced at under $290 USD for a shifter, chain, cassette, and rear derailleur. Not free, but definitely one of the cheaper wide-range drivetrains on the market these days. Not quite at Microshift's Advent X level, but competitive. Beyond its economical value, the CUES system also offers excellent performance and longevity thanks to Shimano's new hard-shifting Linkglide technology. That keeps shifting smooth up and down the cassette, even under power - plus you should get around 3x the lifespan that you'd expect from an equivalent Hyperglide product.
Keep in mind, that's the price for the highest end 10-speed group, with plenty of lower-tiered options should your budget or build warrant it. The real ingenuity of the CUES approach is the cross-compatibility of the whole array of components, with a consistent pull ratio across all shifters and derailleurs, one standard chain for all cassettes, and one fereehub standard. This is meant to give consumers the ability to choose their parts from a "menu of items," as opposed to the more rigid constraints we're used to seeing.
It feels worth noting that the shifting performance - though impressively smooth - isn't quite on par with the game-changing ride quality of SRAM's new Transmission gruppos; turns out the much higher price tag does earn you more than just wireless performance. That said, I do think CUES will be the drivetrain for the people, and fully expect that we'll be seeing it specced on many lower-price complete bikes in the near future. The way I see it currently, the CUES of the world represent the broad base of the pyramid, with options like Transmission occupying some position nearer to the tip of that glorious 3D triangle.
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Then tried an Eliminator Grid Trail T7, and the cornering knobs were ripping clean off of the casing after a handful of rides. I sent pictures to Specialized asking for a replacement and they told me they were too worn and needed replaced (after less than 100 miles and barely any actual wear).
I switched my rear tire from a DHR2 to a Dissector for the same reasons you went to an Eliminator. It was a significant difference. I'm having a hard time putting the DHR back on even though it's gotten quite wet on the Shore.
Gotta love trying both Specialized and Maxxis, then realising the new Conti gravity range are only a smidge more than the Specialized tires but about twice as good and last twice as long.
edit: sorry for the downvote, I’m fat fingered and meant to give you an upvote….
You'll never make everyone happy with your choices - some of the responses to the SRAM GX Transmission write up are a perfect example - but at least you've got people engaging and that's (usually) a good thing.
Happy New Year everyone, what a great time to be a mountain biker!
I would argue the criticism for the new GX is more about price increases versus actual improved shifting. If the best thing about it is that it’s better for e-bikes, it’s not an improvement. Especially, when Shimano XT is still cheaper… and better.
As for the derailleur hanger “improvement” its $175 now, the old hangers were $20… it will be interesting to see if the new UDH’s break from riding conditions.
I'd encourage everyone to try and get some time on the nominated bikes and products in the coming months - go to a demo day, borrow a buddy's bike for a lap, etc... It's a lot easier to make educated comments (and criticisms) if you've actually spent time on the product.
For riders that don't want to try out the latest and greatest, that's totally fine too - riding is the actual fun part of mountain biking, and the brand of derailleur or suspension you have shouldn't be what makes or breaks a ride. Run what you brung, and don't forget that we're all adults who are lucky enough to spend time riding toys in the woods.
(jk keep up the good work! I, like (probably) most people on pinkbike like seeing all the newest stuff and hearing what you have to say about it.)
I sold it on but kept the 11/48 cassette and paired that with the linkglide deore mech and shifter. Far better quality.
Maybe the top end U8000 cues range is decent, but I certainly wouldn't recommend the lower tiers.
When next years linkglide cassettes come out and are also compatible with microspline, you'll feel good about it.
Ironically, the new drivetrains are actually designed for e-bikes more than mountain bikes this year, which are even heavier…
I agree though, everything is getting heavier and I try to avoid most of the weight gains where I can.
To me the “value” product of the year, this year at least, is the “sale price” on bikes and equipment.
CUES ensures a better experience for kids and beginner MTB enthusiasts, which is good for the sport.
Not trying to talk smack, just an honest question.
As a 1x rider, I don’t think I can pull that few gears..
So this is your next drivetrain?
And this on a 1x?
I am impressed..
Seriously, you could dump a bunch of weight and go single speed. Some still see it as the holy grail..!
I do like it on the road.
I only own one bike. 2021 Santa Cruz Tallboy.
My gearing priorities are simple- climb Slickrock Trail in Moab Utah seated, and nearly top out the small end of the cassette on flat road. I need my 520% gear range and every one of those 12 cogs in between. And my goofy oval sprocket..
This year I clocked more than 5k miles with 400 series Tiagra on a commuter bike with zero issues
I’ve managed to break every GX cassette that’s come near
and better value groupset, yet not include it in your Value Product category?
MicroShift (and maybe Box?) deserves some credit for sure!
Shimano CUES is one groupset for a wide variety of riding that includes MTB use.
"Per the report, workers at the Kwang Li Industry company in Malaysia say they have been “subject to physical abuse and threats, unlawful salary deductions and recruitment fees, and unpaid suspension.”
Nice pick.
But I honestly do wa't to know what companies tret people well vs those that don't, and I will make buying decisions based on that information.
In all seriousness, this is just advertising, Shimano pays Pinkbike for this sort of thing.
It’s a job, it pays the bills, we get it for free , so who are we to complain?
You reviewed dosens of components....and let win this cheap something nobody´s interested in?