This article explains how to convert your compo to 11-speed while keeping your existing 10-speed wheels, and how to tell the difference between 10-speed wheels and 11-speed wheels. Using this method, you can convert your wheels to 11-speed while making the most of the wheels you already have.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on cyclabo. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
How to tell if your wheel is a 10-speed or 11-speed wheel
There are three types of wheels available for 8 to 11 speeds.
11-speed wheel
10-speed dedicated wheel
8 to 10 speed wheel
To tell them apart, check for the presence or absence of spacers.
If the wheel is an 11-speed wheel, spacers will be included if it is equipped with an 8, 9, or 10-speed sprocket (two spacers of 1mm + 1.85mm for a 10-speed wheel).
If you have a 10-speed-only wheel, it should have a 10-speed sprocket without spacers, so it’s easy to understand. 10-speed-only wheels will not fit in any other speed except 10.
On the other hand, for 8-10 speed wheels, no spacers are required for 8th and 9th gear, and 1mm spacers are required for 10th gear.
How to check the wheel spacers
As the name “low spacer” implies, wheel spacers are generally put in the low side (in some cases, in the top side). So, look at the free body from the back side of the sprocket to see if there is a spacer.
The thin gray part in the photo above is the spacer.
In this example, the 1.85mm spacer is engaged in order to install a 9-speed sprocket on the rear wheel of a Shimano WH-R100, which is an 11-speed wheel.
Shimano Free and Spacer Compatibility Chart
Let’s make a table for easy understanding.
The table below shows the spacers required for 10-speed (8-10 speed compatible wheels) and 11-speed wheels depending on the number of sprocket steps.
sprocket steps
8-10 speed wheel
10 speed only wheel
11 speed wheel
8-speed
no spacer
-
1.85mm spacer
9-speed
no spacers
-
1.85mm spacers
10-speed
1mm spacer
no spacer
1mm + 1.85mm spacer
11th gear
-
-
no spacer
This chart shows, for example, that if you are currently using a 9-speed sprocket
10-speed wheel without spacer
If it has a spacer, it is an 11-speed wheel.
If you have a spacer in your wheel, you will be able to tell if it is a 10-speed or 11-speed wheel.
Using an 11-speed sprocket for 10-speed wheels
Shimano’s 105 and ULTEGRA road components are available with 11-speed sprockets that can be installed on 10-speed wheels.
Both the CS-HG700-11 and CS-HG800-11 sprockets are approved for 11-speed by Shimano’s official compatibility chart, so it is possible to convert a 10-speed wheel to 11-speed.
The rear derailleur that is compatible with the CS-HG700-11 and CS-HG800-11 is shown below.
model number
grade
RD-R8000-GS
ULTEGRA
RD-RX800-GS
ULTEGRA RX
RD-RX800-GS
ULTEGRA RX
RD-R7000-GS
105
RD-RX810
GRX
RD-RX812
GRX
This strange sprocket seems to have an umbrella-like shape with the low side curved more toward the wheel than the free side, so that the 11-speed sprocket can be used on a 10-speed wheel.
Using the EDCO ten + eleven lock ring
This is a lock ring for installing an 11-speed sprocket on a 10-speed free body from a manufacturer called EDCO.
By replacing the lock ring that comes with the 11-speed sprocket with the EDCO ten + eleven lock ring, you will be able to use the 11-speed sprocket.
However, since the thickness of the frame side increases more than that of the free body, it cannot be used on wheels with a narrow gap between the frame and free body.
We have seen how to convert a 10-speed wheel to 11-speed without changing the wheel.
It’s been more than 10 years since they were first introduced in June 2008, and 11-speed wheels have become the norm for higher grades. If you have an inexpensive wheel that comes with an entry-level bike, you can take the opportunity to upgrade to an 11-speed wheel, but if you already have a higher grade wheel that is designed for 10-speed, you may be hesitant to upgrade to 11-speed.
However, if you already have a 10-speed wheel, you may be hesitant to upgrade to 11-speed. However, if you use the method described in this article, you may be able to make use of your 10-speed wheel while upgrading to 11-speed depending on the conditions.
This article explains how to convert your compo to 11-speed while keeping your existing 10-speed wheels, and how to tell the difference between 10-speed wheels and 11-speed wheels. Using this method, you can convert your wheels to 11-speed while making the most of the wheels you already have.
Compatibility of Shimano Components for Road Bikesa Shimano components for road bikes tend to be confusing with various parts in different grades and generations. In this article, we summarize the compatibility trends of Shimano components.
TIAGRA componentry is Shimano's top entry grade for road bikes. TIAGRA is easy to choose as a 10-speed grade, one step down from the current higher grade of 11-speed, but you need to be careful when choosing components for compatibility.
Shimano's 10-speed sprockets are lined up from older models of higher grades to the current road, MTB and gravel models. The following is a summary of the differences in product types, materials, finishes, and tooth count configurations.
This is a summary of the differences between Shimano chains for road and hybrid bikes, from 7 to 11 speeds. It also compares the different chains for each speed range and how much the maintenance costs vary.
TPU inner tubes are gaining attention as the third force in bicycle tires. We summarize its features, advantages and disadvantages of using it on Road bikes and MTBs, and major manufacturers.
Shimano mechanical brake levers are now few and far between. The following is a summary of the current model lineup, specifications, and compatible components.
The dropper seat post is becoming a "must-have" part for MTB. Here we summarize the lineup, specifications, and features of dropper seatposts for MTB from major manufacturers, as well as a comparison of each manufacturer and points to consider when choosing a dropper seatpost.
This section summarizes the grades, features, and compatibility of SRAM's Eagle series of components for MTB, as well as the electric component AXS and the latest component, Eagle Transmission.
SRAM components are being increasingly adopted in entry-grade MTB. In this issue, we summarize SRAM's sprockets for MTB and points to consider when choosing one.
We have put together a 12-speed sprocket that is not part of Shimano's 12-speed lineup for MTB. With this one, it is possible to convert to 12-speed with a conventional Shimano Free Hub (HG spline) without upgrading the wheels.
When it comes to serious MTB customization, suspension fork upgrades are the way to go. However, there are various standards for MTB suspension forks, and if you choose the wrong one, it may not work at all.
This section summarizes the compatibility of Shimano's sprockets and wheels (free bodies) for MTB, which are a mixture of old and new standards, the latest Micro Spline and the previous HG spline, and what to look out for when purchasing.
Detailed explanation of MTB end standards! What is the boost standard? What is the end width that fits your MTB, points to keep in mind when buying an MTB, etc.
This section summarizes what tire inserts are and the advantages and disadvantages of using them, which have been attracting attention along with the spread of tubeless tires and have recently been used in professional road racing.
When looking for items to upgrade your road, MTB, or gravel bike tires, technical terms such as TPI, compound, and pattern appear in the descriptions. At first glance, tire specifications may seem difficult to understand, but if you keep only the important details in mind, your tire selection will be enhanced.
A torque wrench is a useful tool to have if you want to properly maintain your road bike or MTB. The following is a summary of what a torque wrench is and the advantages and disadvantages of torque management.
Bead raising is an essential task with tubeless tires. However, there are times when it is easy to raise the bead, and other times when it does not raise at all despite your best efforts. In this issue, we will introduce a method to raise the bead of a tubeless tire that will not raise, considering the cause.
If you hear a strange "shuffling" noise coming from the disc rotor area of your disc brake bicycle, it could be disc rotor distortion. This section summarizes why disc rotor distortion occurs and how to correct the distortion.
The booster simplifies bead raising, which is the most difficult part of tubeless installation. We have compiled a list of air pumps with booster(boost functions) that are reassuring to have one.
Many "hookless rim" wheels are lightweight and cost-effective. What is hookless? We have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of hookless, as well as points to keep in mind when choosing.