Hyperglide+

Summary

Hyperglide+ is Shimano’s next-generation shifting technology developed to improve chain engagement, gear transitions, and drivetrain performance under load. It allows riders to shift both up and down the cassette with increased speed, smoothness, and reliability — even while pedaling hard — by redesigning cassette ramps, chain profiles, and tooth shapes as a fully integrated system.

Key Facts

  • Introduced: 2019 (debuted with Shimano XTR M9100)
  • Category: Technology
  • Also known as: HG+, HG+ Drivetrain
  • Used by / Found on: Shimano Deore, SLX, XT, and XTR 12-speed groups; select road GRX 12-speed
  • Compatibility: Requires HG+ cassette, HG+ chain, and compatible derailleur/shifter
  • Supports shifting under load: Yes, both up and down
  • Official website: https://bike.shimano.com

Overview

Hyperglide+ represents one of the most significant drivetrain evolutions in Shimano’s modern history. Building on the original Hyperglide concept introduced in the 1980s, Hyperglide+ reengineers the way cassettes, chains, and derailleurs interact — creating a drivetrain system that can shift more efficiently under pressure, maintain chain stability, and reduce gear transition lag in real-world riding.

Unlike traditional systems, which may struggle with slow or crunchy shifts when a rider is climbing or sprinting, Hyperglide+ is specifically designed to handle these high-torque moments. It allows seamless, reliable shifts — both up and down the cassette — without requiring the rider to let off the pedals. This performance boost is especially noticeable on technical terrain where shifting under load is often unavoidable.

Launched with Shimano’s 12-speed mountain bike groupsets starting with XTR M9100, Hyperglide+ has since trickled down to SLX and Deore lines and has begun appearing in gravel and all-road categories via the GRX 12-speed series.

The technology is more than just improved ramping — it’s a full drivetrain ecosystem built around synchronized tooth shaping, proprietary chain design, and derailleur actuation tuned to work together. Riders moving to a Hyperglide+ setup need to use compatible Shimano cassettes, chains, and derailleurs for the system to perform as intended.

How It Works

At its core, Hyperglide+ uses a combination of cassette ramp shaping, chain profile tuning, and precise derailleur movement to make shifts faster and smoother — especially under load.

Cassette Ramps (Both Directions)

The biggest innovation in Hyperglide+ is bidirectional shift ramping. Traditional Shimano Hyperglide systems used shift ramps that favored downshifting — moving from larger to smaller cogs. Hyperglide+ introduces highly engineered ramps that also support smooth, positive upshifts under tension.

  • Downshifting (bigger cog): The chain is guided onto the new cog without breaking tension. The ramp holds the chain momentarily before letting it settle into place.
  • Upshifting (smaller cog): Shimano reshaped the ramps to allow the chain to climb cogs more predictably and quietly — even while pedaling hard.

These ramps are precisely machined into the steel or aluminum cogs and vary in depth and shape depending on their position in the cassette. Every cog is specifically tuned for how it transitions to its neighbors, both up and down.

HG+ Chain Design

The chain plays a central role in Hyperglide+ performance. Shimano developed a proprietary HG+ chain with several features:

  • Extended inner plate shape: Helps the chain maintain stable engagement with the cassette teeth during transitions.
  • Chamfered side plates: Allow the chain to glide between cogs with less friction.
  • Surface treatment (SIL-TEC): Reduces friction and wear, improving shifting smoothness and chain life.
  • Directional design: The chain is optimized for mounting in a specific direction to match ramp geometry.

Because of the tight tolerances and interaction between the chain and the cassette, riders must use Shimano’s HG+ chain to get full benefits — third-party chains may reduce performance.

Drivetrain Synchronization

Shimano’s Hyperglide+ derailleurs are calibrated to match ramp timing and chain position. The entire drivetrain is tuned to make shifts almost feel “pre-loaded” — the moment you engage the shifter, the chain moves decisively, guided cleanly across teeth instead of bouncing or dragging.

The result is reduced chain slap, less missed shifts, and faster recovery from unexpected gear changes — especially in race scenarios or aggressive riding.

Performance Benefits & Evolution

Shimano’s marketing for Hyperglide+ focused heavily on real-world performance: shifting when you’re tired, charging a climb, or chasing a wheel. Independent reviews and user feedback have largely confirmed the system delivers on these claims.

Key performance benefits include:

  • Faster upshifts — even when pushing full power through the pedals
  • More reliable downshifts — less lag or noise when shifting to a bigger cog
  • Reduced chain movement and slap — contributes to drivetrain silence and chain security
  • Improved drivetrain longevity — due to smoother engagement and reduced stress on components

In essence, Hyperglide+ makes your drivetrain feel more automatic — letting you focus on the trail or road instead of feathering the pedals every time you want to change gears.

Shimano has continued refining the system through firmware in Di2 versions and by adapting the HG+ architecture for gravel and light adventure use in the GRX series.

Notable Implementations

  • Shimano XTR M9100: First appearance of Hyperglide+ — elite-level MTB drivetrain for racing and performance.
  • Shimano XT M8100: Brought HG+ to a wider audience, still race-ready and known for durability.
  • Shimano SLX M7100: Budget-friendly 12-speed system featuring full HG+ tech.
  • Shimano Deore M6100: Most accessible version of HG+ in the 12-speed lineup.
  • Shimano GRX 820 (12-speed): First road/gravel group to adopt Hyperglide+, optimized for loaded climbing and mixed terrain.

Each of these groupsets uses its own flavor of HG+ tuning but shares the same fundamental design language.

Related Terms

  • Hyperglide
  • Microspline
  • Shimano XTR M9100
  • Shifting Under Load
  • Chainline

References

  • Shimano Tech Docs – Hyperglide+ Explainers
  • Shimano Dealer Manual (HG+ Series)
  • Pinkbike: “Shimano’s 12-Speed XTR — First Ride & Deep Dive”
  • BikeRadar: “What Is Hyperglide+?”
  • Shimano Chain Compatibility Guides
  • GRX 12-Speed Product Launch Press Kit
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