Linkglide XT/Cues (psa)

I’m looking for some long term experience of this (relatively) new link glide stuff. I’ve just just ordered a full XT linkglide set up for my Cotic after spotting some reasonable prices to give it a go. Lots of positive reviews but not much in the way of long term reviews, which feels like the whole point of this stuff.

So who’s used it? Is it lasting? Feels like newer drivetrains don’t seem to last like they used to which wasn’t a problem when XT cassettes were £35 but is definitely more of an issue with current prices.

Mild PSA, banana industries. Rear XT link glide derailleur is £60 and matching shifter is £26

John

MODs please, delete double post.

Xt Mech

Shifter

Shifter looks like clamp on only. Anyone know if they can be converted to Ispec?

There’s also the Deore 10s mech and shifter for for £42 combined

https://www.bananaindustries.co.uk/search?q=Link+glide

I think this will convert it

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385828267203?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=fua1tykytli&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=K8K4WSadTTi&var=653556366566&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

On a separate note, how backwards compatible is 10 linkglide with older 10spd, hyper glide, shifters and mechs? I have tried google with mixed answers. I think chains and cassettes are a no but not sure on shifters/mechs. Reason I am asking is the commuter I am getting is link glide but my spares box is full of older bits so wondering if all my old spares will be obsolete on this bike.

“On a separate note, how backwards compatible is 10 linkglide with older 10spd, hyper glide, shifters and mechs?”

Not at all – all the Cues/Linkglide stuff is cross-compatible regardless of the number of gears but I believe the pull ratio and cassette spacing is unique. The chains are standard 11 speed though!

Linkglide mech and shifter w 10/11 hyperglide cassette is fine iirc.

@johnnyboy666 Thanks for the PSA. I got the Deore mech and shifter from https://www.bananaindustries.co.uk/search?q=Link+glide for £51 (and cassette from https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BT4YGCJY/ for £41) for my hub motor electric cargo bike – and it’s absolutely brilliant. I’d read that shifts under load were good but they’re even better than I expected.

It’s a shame there’s not a microspline version. Having moved all my free hubs to ms going back to hg is an annoying additional expense. XT linkglide looks tempting otherwise.

Also interesting – theres no real weight difference between an Deore (all steel) 12Speed cassette at 591g and XT link glide LG700 at 609g

(XT and SlX 12s are 469/529 with 2 and 1 alu cogs)