Shimano Ultegra CS-R8101 12-Speed Cassette – Hyperglide+ 11-30T / 11-34T

$109.99 AUD

Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Shimano Ultegra CS-R8101 12-Speed Cassette delivers smooth Hyperglide+ shifting, refined road gearing and excellent drivetrain efficiency, making it one of the best-value premium cassette upgrades for Brisbane and Australian riders wanting fast shifting, dependable climbing range and long-lasting Shimano performance.

CS-R8101 Features

Shimano Ultegra 12-speed road cassette with Hyperglide+ shift technology
Available in 11-30T and 11-34T ratios for racing, endurance and climbing
Compatible with Shimano HG 12-speed chains
Fits Shimano 12-speed and compatible Shimano road 11-speed freehub bodies
Excellent value alternative to Dura-Ace with proven Ultegra performance

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Technical Specifications

Product Name: Shimano Ultegra CS-R8101 12-Speed Cassette
Model: CS-R8101-12
Series: Shimano Ultegra
Cassette Type: Hyperglide+ road cassette
Rear Speeds: 12-speed
Compatible Chain: Shimano HG 12-speed
Available Ratios: 11-30T and 11-34T
Average Weight:11-30T: approximately 291g11-34T: approximately 345g
Freehub Compatibility: Shimano 12-speed road and compatible Shimano road 11-speed Hyperglide freehub bodies
Recommended Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra R8100 / R8150 12-speed, Dura-Ace R9200, 105 R7100 and compatible Shimano 12-speed road systems
Recommended Use: Road cycling, endurance riding, climbing, bunch rides, racing, Gran Fondo events and high-mileage training
Compatible Bike Type: Road bikes, aero road bikes, endurance road bikes and performance all-road bikes
Colour: Shimano Ultegra series finish
Rider Weight Limit: Not applicable

Gear Ratio Options

11-30T

Best for racing, fast bunch rides and flatter terrain
Tighter gear steps for smoother cadence control
Lighter option for performance-focused road builds

11-34T

Best for climbing, endurance rides and hilly routes
Wider range for steep gradients and long days in the saddle
Ideal for riders wanting easier climbing gears without changing chainrings

Hyperglide+ Shifting Technology

Shimano Hyperglide+ technology is designed to deliver faster, smoother shifts up and down the cassette, even while pedalling under heavy load. This helps riders shift confidently during climbs, sprint efforts and high-cadence changes without needing to ease off the pedals.

Refined 12-Speed Gear Progression

The 12-speed layout gives riders closer gear steps and better cadence control compared with older wide-range 11-speed setups, which is especially useful for maintaining rhythm during fast road riding, racing and rolling terrain.

Existing Freehub Compatibility

A major practical advantage of the CS-R8101 is compatibility with Shimano’s existing road 11-speed Hyperglide freehub bodies, making it easier for riders to upgrade to Shimano 12-speed without replacing compatible wheels.

Ultegra-Level Durability and Value

Ultegra components are widely regarded as the performance sweet spot in Shimano’s road range, offering near-flagship function with better value and service practicality than Dura-Ace.

Efficient Power Transfer

The cassette’s tooth profiling is designed to work as part of Shimano’s 12-speed drivetrain system, interacting precisely with the chain and rear derailleur for quieter running, smoother gear engagement and efficient power transfer.

Available Cassette Sizes

11-30T

Recommended for riders who prioritise tight gear spacing
Strong choice for criteriums, flat roads, fast bunch rides and race-focused setups
Ideal with 52/36T or 54/40T chainrings for strong riders

11-34T

Recommended for riders who want easier climbing gears
Strong choice for endurance riding, hilly terrain and long-distance events
Ideal with 50/34T or 52/36T chainrings for versatile Australian road riding

Best Suited For

Road cyclists upgrading to Shimano 12-speed
Ultegra Di2 riders replacing a worn cassette
Endurance riders wanting smoother climbing gears
Club racers and fast bunch ride cyclists

Cyclists Hub’s updated April 2026 review of Shimano Ultegra R8100 praised the platform for excellent shifting, braking performance, long battery life and reliability after more than 5,000km of riding, while also noting its strong value compared with Dura-Ace.

While these reviews focus on the full Ultegra R8100 system, the cassette is central to that performance because Shimano’s 12-speed shift quality depends on precise interaction between the cassette, chain, rear derailleur and chainrings.

Rider Feedback & Community Sentiment

Rider feedback around Shimano Ultegra 12-speed cassettes is generally very positive, especially among cyclists replacing worn 11-speed setups or moving into Shimano 12-speed Di2.

Common positive comments include:

Smooth shifting across the cassette
Reliable performance under load
Quiet drivetrain feel when paired with a fresh Shimano chain
Excellent climbing range with the 11-34T option
Good value compared with Dura-Ace
Easy upgrade path due to 11-speed road freehub compatibility
Strong availability through Australian bike shops

Many riders consider the Ultegra cassette the smart choice because it delivers premium Shimano shift quality while keeping replacement costs more realistic than Dura-Ace.

Why We Love It at Pedal Passion