Searching “why shimano not make 12 12-speed lunkglide” turns up plenty of forum threads—but no product. That’s because LinkGlide (often miss-typed lunkglide) is purposely capped at 10- and 11-speed to maximise durability, keep costs down, and stay compatible with millions of HG freehubs, while Shimano’s 12-speed HyperGlide+ line targets racers who value weight and range over longevity.
Why does Shimano Not Make 12 12-speed Lunkglide?
| Factor | How it blocks a 12-speed LinkGlide | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Durability first design | LinkGlide teeth are 25 % thicker and 3 × more wear-resistant—squeezing in a 12th cog would force thinner plates and undo that benefit. | Loam Wolf review quoting “3× more durable” claim |
| HG freehub compatibility | LG cassettes fit the decades-old Shimano HG driver; 12-speed requires Micro Spline. Shimano chose HG so e-bike owners could swap cassettes without a wheel rebuild. | Pinkbike tech note on HG body (L20) |
| Chain width limits | An extra sprocket narrows the chain. Thinner outer plates = lower tensile strength—bad for high-torque e-bikes that LG targets. | Singletrack forum discussion on 12-speed chain plate thickness |
| Clear product segmentation | HyperGlide+ already covers 12-speed performance; LG fills the long-life, lower-range niche. Mixing them would blur Shimano’s lineup. | Vital MTB head-to-head feature |
| Cost & weight trade-offs | A 12-speed steel LG cassette would weigh ~700 g and cost more than LG’s value-driven brief—defeating its market purpose. | Pinkbike weight comparison (L15-L17) |
| Hub-swap headaches | Upgrading to 12-speed would force many riders to replace hubs; forums show e-MTB users rebuilding wheels just to downgrade from 12- to 11-speed LG for Autoshift durability. | EMTB forum thread (L5-L6) |
The Two-Track Strategy: HyperGlide+ 12-Speed vs LinkGlide 11-Speed
-
HyperGlide+ 12-speed ➜ racing, fastest shifts, lighter steel/aluminium mix, Micro Spline driver.
-
LinkGlide 11-speed ➜ e-bikes & high-mileage commuters, smoother under load, all-steel cassette, standard HG driver, 3× wear life.
Shimano’s marketing says LinkGlide is about “smoother shifting and more durable components”—not weight or gear count.
Will Shimano Ever Launch a 12-Speed LinkGlide?
Rumour sites and 2025 leak threads focus on wireless XTR, not LG. Analysts expect Shimano to extend LG range options (e.g., 11-51 T) rather than add another cog, because doing so preserves HG-body backward compatibility and the durability pitch that resonates with e-bike fleets. No credible leak shows a 12-speed LG prototype as of May 2025.
Practical Takeaway for Shop Owners & Riders
-
E-bike or commuter? Stick with 10/11-speed LG for 3× cassette life.
-
Racing XC/Enduro? HyperGlide+ 12-speed (or SRAM T-Type) still wins on weight and shift speed.
-
Wheel inventory: Stock HG cassettes and freehubs—LG keeps them relevant through 2030-plus.
-
Don’t mix systems: LG derailleurs/shifters are tuned for LG cassette spacing only.
FAQ
-
Is LinkGlide really three times more durable than Shimano’s 12-speed cassettes?
Yes—Shimano and independent testers report ~300 % longer cassette life thanks to thicker teeth and a slower shift ramp. -
Can I run a 12-speed chain on an 11-speed LinkGlide cassette?
A 12-speed chain will move on LG but increases wear and defeats LG’s durability goal; Shimano recommends their LG-specific 11-speed chain. -
Why not just widen the range with a bigger 11-speed cassette?
The HG freehub limits the smallest cog to 11 T; adding a 10 T would demand Micro Spline and undercut LG’s backward-compatibility strategy. -
Does 11-speed LG shift slower than 12-speed HyperGlide+?
Slightly—LG prioritises smooth load-shift for e-bikes, so shifts are fractionally slower but far gentler on chains and motors. -
Should I wait for a 12-speed “Lunkglide”?
Unlikely to appear soon; if you need extra range now, pair an 11-50 T LG cassette with a 30 T chainring or move to HyperGlide+ 12-speed
