Shimano Chain Compatibility for Road, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes
An overview of Shimano chain compatibility across road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Includes guidance on how to choose the right chain for your drivetrain.
Posted at: Mar 17, 2023
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.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
When Shimano released the 12-speed for MTB, they changed the sprocket compatibility from the previous HG spline to a new standard called Micro Spline.
Micro Spline is a new shape of freebody with more grooves on the freebody, so HG spline and Micro Spline are not compatible at all.
All 12-speed sprockets for MTB are manufactured to the Micro Spline standard, so as of 2023 there will be no sprockets for HG spline freehubs in Shimano’s MTB 12-speed range.
Shimano MTB sprocket and wheel compatibility summary
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.
On the other hand, third-party parts manufacturers have MTB 12-speed sprockets for HG spline freehubs.
Since they are not officially compatible with Shimano, there is a possibility of malfunction, but we recommend them to those who want to try them at their own risk and with as little upgrade cost as possible.
Sunrace is a manufacturer of drivetrain-related parts such as sprockets and chains.
The lineup includes a number of 12-speed sprockets that are compatible with Shimano’s HG spline free bodies for road and MTB use.
Note that CSRZ is for road use.
In SunRace sprockets, the CSMZ90 WA5 model is also a freebody compatible sprocket for 12-speed HG spline, but note that this one is compatible with SRAM’s 12-speed.
Brand-X, a PB of Wiggle, the world’s largest bicycle shopping site, also has a line of 12-speed sprockets compatible with Shimano’s HG spline freebodies.
There are two lineups here, 11-50T and 11-52T. The 11-50T is “SRAM & Shimano compatible” and the 11-52T is “compatible with SRAM only”.
SRAM has been increasing its presence in the MTB scene since the release of the Ealge 12-speed series for MTB.
Most of SRAM’s Ealge series sprockets use freehubs with the SRAM-specific XD driver standard, but exceptionally, SRAM has a lineup of 12-speed sprockets for HG spline freehubs (Shimano free) called PG-1210 and PG-1230 PG-1210 and PG-1230 are the exceptions to the rule.
Both PG-1210 and PG-1230 sprockets are compatible with the SRAM Eagle series, so they cannot be used with Shimano 12-speed components for MTB.
However, these products have the advantage of allowing you to switch to SRAM Eagle with your existing HG spline freehub (Shimano free) wheels.
No matter how many third-party manufacturers say “compatible with Shimano drivetrains,” Shimano itself does not check compatibility with third-party sprockets, and drivetrain manufacturers state that “combinations other than their own products are not recommended.
So, if you are going to use third-party sprockets in combination with Shimano or SRAM MTB components, please understand that there is a risk of “I bought it but it didn’t work properly,” and purchase at your own risk only.
Both Shimano and SRAM are coming out with 12-speed sprockets for MTB with 10T tops, and the “500% ratio,” which is five times the difference between top and low, is popular.
However, the smallest cog (gear) in conventional freehubs is considered to be 11T, and it is said that Micro Spline and XD drivers were developed to exceed this limit.
Perhaps that is why there are no MTB 12-speed sprockets for HG spline freehubs with a top minimum of 10T.
If you want to use a 12-speed sprocket with a top 10T, you will need to purchase a wheel that is compatible with the Micro Spline or XD driver.
Sponsored Link
Shimano Chain Compatibility for Road, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes
An overview of Shimano chain compatibility across road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Includes guidance on how to choose the right chain for your drivetrain.
Shimano ESSA Lineup and Compatibility with Existing 8-Speed Parts
An overview of Shimano's newly released 8-speed component group "ESSA" and its compatibility with existing 8-speed parts.
Compatibility Guide for SRAM MTB Components
A detailed explanation of compatibility between SRAM MTB components. This guide outlines which parts can be used together and which combinations are not compatible.
Shimano Hydraulic Brake Hose and Connector Standards Guide
An explanation of the differences between Shimano’s hydraulic brake hoses BH90 and BH59, the types of connecting bolts, and how to choose the right hose for your brake system—including key points to watch out for.
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.
Perfect Guide to Shimano 11-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 11-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
Perfect Guide to Shimano 10-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 10-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
In-Depth Guide to Shimano 9-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A comprehensive explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 9-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
Shimano CUES Components Lineup and Compatibility Guide
A comprehensive guide to Shimano's new CUES component group for MTB and lifestyle categories, including gear ratios, part lineup, and compatibility with traditional components.
TPU Inner Tube: Features, Pros, and Cons for Road Bikes and MTB
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 for MTB and Hybrid Bike
Shimano mechanical brake levers are now few and far between. The following is a summary of the current model lineup, specifications, and compatible components.
Differences Between 700C Road Wheels and 29er MTB Wheels
A comparison of the similarities and differences between 700C road bike wheels and 29er MTB wheels, including key points on how to choose and the considerations when switching between these types of wheels.
Summary of electric components for MTB
This section summarizes the types of electric components for MTB and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
MTB Dropper Seatposts: Types and Considerations
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.
Freehub Types, Standards, and Compatibility for Road and MTB Wheels
A summary of the different types and standards of freehubs used in road and MTB wheels, along with their compatibility with various cassettes.
SRAM Component Grades and Compatibility Summary for MTB
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.
Choosing SRAM MTB Sprockets: Compatibility and Key Considerations
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.
MTB suspension fork interchangeability standard! You definitely want to check when replacing.
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.
Shimano MTB sprocket and wheel compatibility summary
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.
MTB End Standards: What to Consider When Buying
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.