Bicycle Parts
Shimano Linkglide, XTR & 105 Crankset: What Riders Should Know
Shimano has been at the heart of cycling innovation for decades, shaping everything from everyday commuter bikes to elite racing machines. Whenever I’ve upgraded parts on my bikes, Shimano has often been my first choice because their gear tends to strike the right balance between performance, reliability, and price.
Lately, I’ve noticed more riders asking about Shimano Linkglide, the new XTR groupset, and even smaller components like Shimano gear cables. Road riders, on the other hand, still swear by the Shimano 105 crankset as their go-to option for dependable power transfer without overspending.
In this guide, I’ll break down what each of these parts offers, share why they matter, and give some insight into who each one is best suited for—whether you’re chasing smooth shifting on an e-bike, pro-level performance on the trails, or everyday reliability on the road.
Shimano Linkglide: Durable Drivetrain Innovation
When Shimano launched Linkglide, it caught my attention straight away. I’ve seen too many riders wear through cassettes and chains quickly, especially on e-bikes where torque puts more strain on drivetrains. Linkglide was designed to solve that problem by focusing on durability and smoother shifting.
What stood out to me when I tried it was how solid the shifting felt. Instead of the sharp, race-oriented feel of Hyperglide+, Linkglide is slightly slower but far smoother—perfect for trail riding and e-bike use where you want long-lasting reliability over split-second gear changes.
Key points about Linkglide:
- Built for durability, with cassettes that last up to three times longer.
- Smoother shifting under load, ideal for e-bikes and MTB riders.
- Compatible with specific Linkglide drivetrains (not interchangeable with Hyperglide+).
For me, it feels like Shimano’s answer to the real-world needs of riders who value longevity over saving a few grams of weight.
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Shimano New XTR: Race-Ready Performance
If Linkglide is about durability, the new Shimano XTR is all about racing performance. I’ve seen XTR on plenty of high-level XC and enduro bikes, and it’s easy to understand why. The groupset is light, precise, and designed for competitive riders who demand the very best.
During testing, I found the shifting crisp and instant, with a wide gear range that handled both steep climbs and fast descents with ease. The weight savings are noticeable too—it feels built for riders counting every gram.
Highlights of the new XTR groupset:
- 12-speed system with wide-range gearing.
- Hyperglide+ technology for lightning-fast, smooth shifts.
- Lightweight components built with racing in mind.
- Options for XC and enduro setups.
The trade-off? Price. XTR is expensive, and not everyone needs pro-level precision. For me, it’s the dream groupset if you’re racing or pushing your performance limits, but overkill if you’re riding casually or on a tighter budget.
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Shimano Gear Cables: Small Part, Big Difference
When most riders think about upgrades, they focus on big-ticket items like drivetrains or wheels. But in my experience, swapping out something as simple as Shimano gear cables can make a surprising difference.
I remember the first time I replaced old, stretched cables with fresh Shimano ones—the shifting instantly felt sharper and smoother. Over time, dirt and wear build up in cables, making gear changes sluggish. A new set of cables restores that crisp, reliable feel.
Why Shimano gear cables matter:
- Smooth, precise shifting when paired with Shimano drivetrains.
- Durable, coated options resist dirt and friction.
- Affordable upgrade that transforms how your bike feels.
It’s a small detail, but one that makes everyday rides more enjoyable. I now make it a habit to replace gear cables regularly, especially before long-distance events or the start of a new season.
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Shimano 105 Crankset: Everyday Reliability
On the road cycling side, the Shimano 105 crankset has been my go-to for years. It sits in that sweet spot between affordability and performance, which is why so many riders choose it.
What I’ve always liked about the 105 crankset is how dependable it feels. It may not be as light as Ultegra or Dura-Ace, but it delivers consistent power transfer without any fuss. I’ve ridden thousands of kilometres on one, and it’s never let me down.
Key points about the Shimano 105 crankset:
- Durable construction built for everyday training and commuting.
- Efficient power transfer with Hollowtech II design.
- Compatible with a wide range of Shimano groupsets.
- More budget-friendly than Ultegra or Dura-Ace, with only a small performance trade-off.
For riders who want a solid crankset without overspending, 105 is still one of the best options out there. It’s the workhorse of Shimano’s road lineup, and in my view, it earns that reputation.
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Comparing Shimano Options: Which Upgrade Makes Sense?
Over the years, I’ve used everything from entry-level Shimano parts to high-end groupsets, and the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that the “best” upgrade depends on the rider. Each of the components we’ve looked at plays a very different role:
- Shimano Linkglide – Best for MTB and e-bike riders who want drivetrain durability and smooth shifting under load.
- Shimano New XTR – Ideal for competitive mountain bikers chasing top-level performance and weight savings.
- Shimano Gear Cables – A simple but often overlooked upgrade that sharpens shifting on any bike.
- Shimano 105 Crankset – The workhorse for road cyclists, offering reliable power transfer at a reasonable price.
My advice is to think about your riding style first. If you’re racing, XTR makes sense. If you’re commuting or training daily, 105 or new gear cables might make the biggest difference. And if you ride e-bikes or put in long off-road miles, Linkglide could save you money in the long run.
- 【Frame】: Durable steel dual suspension Mountain Bike frame. Featured with Front suspension fork and rear coil shock to smooth out the bumps along the way.
- 【Speeds】: Effortless gear change with 18-speed twist shifters and front and rear derailleurs.Help you find the perfect cadence to navigate your path ahead.
- 【Control】: Front and rear linear pull brakes provide control and strong stopping power.
- 【Tires】: The 26-inch all-terrain bike tires are great for various terrains, while fit to riders 5'2'' to 6'2'' inches tall.
- 【Ideal Rider】: The ideal rider for this bike is a men/woman aged 13 and up.
- SMOOTH DUAL SUSPENSION FOR COMFORT: Front suspension fork and rear spring shock absorb bumps, providing a controlled, comfortable ride on trails, gravel paths, and uneven roads.
- DURABLE STEEL FRAME WITH STYLISH DESIGN: The strong steel frame features a sleek gray gloss finish with bold red accents for durability, a modern look, and long-lasting performance.
- 21-SPEED SHIMANO GEAR SYSTEM: Conquer any terrain with the 21-speed drivetrain, Shimano rear derailleur, and twist shifters for smooth, precise gear changes, even on steep hills.
- KNOBBY ALL-TERRAIN TIRES FOR GREAT TRACTION: 26-inch tires deliver excellent grip and stability on dirt, gravel, or pavement, ensuring confidence and control in any conditions.
- BUILT FOR RIDERS 5'0" OR TALLER: Perfect for trail rides, commutes, or recreational cycling, this bike offers a comfortable fit and all the features you need for exciting outdoor adventures.
- Lightweight 16.5 inch aluminum mountain frame is the perfect bike for rides around your neighborhood or trails with 26-inch wheels fit riders 5' 3" - 5' 8" inches tall
- Bicycle is equipped with an alloy crank that delivers smooth gear changes, requiring minimal maintenance
- Mountain bike has twist shifters with a rear derailleur to make gear changes quick and easy
- Lightweight and sturdy alloy wheel and wide knobby mountain tires offer stability and balance to riders on all terrains and in all weather conditions
- Quick-release seat posts for easy adjustments, arrives 80% assembled, will need the following tool: Phillips head screwdriver, 2.5-8mm Allen wrenches, adjustable wrench, pliers with cable cutters
Conclusion
Shimano has a knack for covering every type of rider, from the weekend enthusiast to the professional racer. The Shimano Linkglide brings new durability to drivetrains, the new XTR continues to push racing performance, the gear cables keep shifting smooth, and the 105 crankset remains a trusted choice for road cyclists worldwide.
At Cycling Trend, what makes Shimano stand out to us is consistency—no matter which component you choose, you know it will do its job well. The trick is simply picking the right piece of kit for your riding goals.
Which Shimano component has made the biggest difference to your rides? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear what setup works for you.
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