Shimano 12-speed (12s) Sprocket Types and Compatibility Summary

Modified at: Mar 15, 2024

Posted at: Oct 1, 2021

We have compiled a list of the different types of 12-speed (12s) sprockets, which are Shimano's top upper grade gears for road bikes and MTBs. Differences between models and points to consider when choosing.

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Shimano 12-speed (12s) Sprocket Types and Compatibility Summary

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Shimano’s 12-Speed (12s) Sprockets: Types and Considerations When Choosing

Shimano’s 12-speed sprockets are designed for different freehub types:

  1. Road 12-speed sprockets: “HG spline L2” and “HG spline L”
  2. MTB 12-speed sprockets: “Micro spline”

These are different standards, so you must choose the correct type for your setup.

Additionally, note that Shimano’s road 12-speed sprockets are divided into “Di2” and “mechanical” versions.

It’s also important to note that the rear derailleurs for road and MTB 12-speed drivetrains have completely different tooth count configurations, meaning they are not interchangeable.

Below are the corresponding freehub types and features for each sprocket:

Model Compatible Shifting System Compatible Freehub Features
CS-R9200-12 Di2 Road 12-speed HG spline L2, HG spline L Top-tier DURA-ACE 12-speed Di2 sprocket. Titanium on the lower cogs.
CS-R8100-12 Di2 Road 12-speed HG spline L2, HG spline L ULTEGRA 12-speed Di2 sprocket. No titanium on the lower cogs.
CS-R8101-12 Mechanical Road 12-speed HG spline L2, HG spline L ULTEGRA 12-speed mechanical sprocket. No titanium on the lower cogs.
CS-R7100-12 Di2 Road 12-speed HG spline L2, HG spline L 105 12-speed Di2 sprocket with a wider gear ratio than higher-end models.
CS-R7101-12 Mechanical Road 12-speed HG spline L2, HG spline L 105 12-speed mechanical sprocket with a wider gear ratio than higher-end models.
CS-HG710-12 Mechanical Road 12-speed HG spline L2, HG spline L Gravel GRX 12-speed mechanical sprocket. Only available in wide ratio.
CS-M9100-12 Mechanical MTB 12-speed Micro spline Top-tier XTR MTB 12-speed sprocket. Aluminum on the lower 3 cogs, titanium on the middle 5 cogs.
CS-M8100-12 Mechanical MTB 12-speed Micro spline DEORE XT MTB 12-speed sprocket. Steel on the lower 2 cogs, aluminum on the other 10 cogs.
CS-M7100-12 Mechanical MTB 12-speed Micro spline SLX MTB 12-speed sprocket. Steel on the lower 1 cog, aluminum on the other 11 cogs.
CS-M6100-12 Mechanical MTB 12-speed Micro spline DEORE MTB 12-speed sprocket. The heaviest MTB 12-speed sprocket.

For detailed compatibility of Shimano’s 12-speed sprockets, check the article below:

In-Depth Guide to Shimano 12-Speed Cassette Compatibility

A detailed explanation of the key compatibility factors when using Shimano's 12-speed cassettes—specifically the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain, which differ significantly from previous 11-speed systems.

HYPERGLIDE 12-Speed Sprockets (Road)

Shimano offers six models of road 12-speed sprockets, including models for gravel with the GRX system. The number of available tooth configurations has significantly reduced, now offering only three patterns, so choosing the right one is simpler.

However, be aware that even among road 12-speed sprockets, the models differ between Di2 and mechanical types.

Model Compatible Shifting System 11-30T 11-34T 11-36T
CS-R9200-12 Di2 233g 253g -
CS-R8100-12 Di2 292g 345g -
CS-R8101-12 Mechanical 292g 345g -
CS-R7100-12 Di2 - 361g Not disclosed
CS-R7101-12 Mechanical - 361g -
CS-HG710-12 Mechanical - - Not disclosed

CS-R9200-12

The CS-R9200-12 is the current model of Shimano’s top-tier DURA-ACE components for road bikes. It offers only wide-ratio sprockets due to the increased number of gears.

The lineup is only available for Di2.

Model Compatible Gear System High Low Weight Gear Configuration
CS-R9200-12 Di2 11T 30T 223g 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-24-27-30
CS-R9200-12 Di2 11T 34T 253g 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-27-30-34

CS-R8100-12/CS-R8101-12

The CS-R8100-12 and CS-R8101-12 are Shimano’s current ULTEGRA series sprockets for road bikes. Like the CS-R9200-12, they offer only wide-ratio sprockets.

Initially, the lineup was available only for Di2, but now includes models for mechanical systems as well. The models ending in “0” are for Di2, while those ending in “1” are for mechanical systems.

Model Compatible Gear System High Low Weight Gear Configuration
CS-R8100-12 Di2 11T 30T 291g 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-24-27-30
CS-R8100-12 Di2 11T 34T 345g 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-27-30-34
CS-R8101-12 Mechanical 11T 30T 291g 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-24-27-30
CS-R8101-12 Mechanical 11T 34T 345g 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-27-30-34

CS-R7100-12/CS-R7101-12

Released on June 30, 2022, the CS-R7100-12 and CS-R7101-12 are 12-speed sprockets for Shimano’s new 105 R7100 series. These models are slightly heavier than DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA but are more affordable.

Models ending in “0” are for Di2, while those ending in “1” are for mechanical systems. The 11-36T version is only available for Di2, but you can use the CS-HG710-12, which is described later.

Model Compatible Gear System High Low Weight Gear Configuration
CS-R7100-12 Di2 11T 34T 361g 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-27-30-34
CS-R7100-12 Di2 11T 36T Not Available 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36
CS-R7101-12 Mechanical 11T 34T 361g 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-27-30-34

CS-HG710-12

Released in 2023, the CS-HG710-12 is a mechanical 12-speed sprocket designed for the GRX RX820 series.

It is available only in the 11-36T configuration, and it can be used with either the GRX 12-speed or the mechanical CS-R7101-12 on a front double setup.

Model Compatible Gear System High Low Weight Gear Configuration
CS-HG710-12 Mechanical 11T 36T Not Available 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36

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HYPERGLIDE 12-Speed Cassettes (MTB)

The 12-speed cassettes for MTB are even more limited in gear configurations compared to those for road bikes, with only two options: 10-45T or 10-51T. The grade of the cassette is determined by the materials used in the 12 gears—titanium, aluminum, or steel.

While it might seem like “just a material difference,” the larger gear sizes of MTB 12-speed cassettes mean that the choice of materials can significantly affect the weight.

Model Shifting Technology 10-45T 10-51T
CS-M9100-12 HYPERGLIDE ◎ ◎
CS-M8100-12 HYPERGLIDE ◎ ◎
CS-M7100-12 HYPERGLIDE ◎ ◎
CS-M6100-12 HYPERGLIDE - ◎

CS-M9100-12

The CS-M9100-12 is Shimano’s top-end MTB component for the XTR series. This unique cassette uses three different metals: aluminum for the three smallest gears, titanium for the five middle gears, and steel for the four largest gears.

The top gear is smaller at 10T (down from the previous 11T), and the low gear has an impressive 51T, creating an ultra-wide range cassette. No close-ratio options are available for this model.

Model High Low Weight Gear Configuration
CS-M9100-12 10T 45T 357g 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-40-45
CS-M9100-12 10T 51T 367g 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51

CS-M8100-12

The CS-M8100-12 is Shimano’s high-end MTB component for the DEORE XT series. It has steel for the two lowest gears and aluminum for the other ten gears.

Like the CS-M9100-12, it has a smaller top gear at 10T and an impressive 51T low gear, making it an ultra-wide range cassette.

Model High Low Weight Gear Configuration
CS-M8100-12 10T 45T 461g 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-40-45
CS-M8100-12 10T 51T 470g 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51

CS-M7100-12

The CS-M7100-12 is Shimano’s high-end MTB component for the SLX series. It has steel for the lowest gear and aluminum for the other eleven gears.

The gear configuration is the same as the higher-end CS-M9100-12 and CS-M8100-12 models, but the weight exceeds 500g, making it a very heavy cassette.

Model High Low Weight Gear Configuration
CS-M7100-12 10T 45T 513g 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-40-45
CS-M7100-12 10T 51T 534g 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51

CS-M6100-12

The CS-M6100-12 is Shimano’s entry-level 12-speed cassette for the DEORE series. It is the least expensive 12-speed MTB cassette from Shimano.

With only the 10-51T configuration available, the weight is undisclosed, but based on previous DEORE cassettes, it is likely heavier than the CS-M7100-12.

Model High Low Weight Gear Configuration
CS-M6100-12 10T 51T - 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51

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