Shimano Tiagra gets more gears: R4000 with 2x11 drivetrain

Shimano's entry-level groupset is getting one more gear: the previous Tiagra 4700 is being replaced by the new R4000 series with an eleven-speed drivetrain. Another major change: in future there will be no more rim brakes. The mechanical road bike groupset uses hydraulic disc brakes. The manufacturer is focussing on improved ergonomics and an extended gear range.

Shimano Tiagra: Shift lever

The Dual Control Lever ST-R4020-L and ST-R4020-R adopt design elements from the Shimano 105 series. Shimano developed the lever position and mount based on studies of different hand shapes. The shorter lever travel should make shifting easier for more riders with different hand sizes. The hydraulic disc brakes work with the shift levers as a single unit.

Cassette and translation

The CS-RS400-11 cassette offers an 11-36 gradation with a 327 per cent gear range. The range covers flat stretches and steep climbs. Shimano states that the new 11-36 cassette is over 200 grams lighter than reference configurations. The Hyperglide technology is designed to enable precise shifting.

Shimano Tiagra: rear derailleur and front derailleur

The RD-R4000 rear derailleur works with 2x11 drivetrains and utilises a compact design. The FD-R4000 front derailleur uses Shimano's toggle link construction and an adapted cage design. The components work with 11-speed chains, especially the CN-HG601-11 with SIL-TEC coating on the inner plates.

Shimano Tiagra: Crank and chainrings

The FC-R4000 crank is available in two chainring combinations: 52/36 and 50/34. Shimano offers crank lengths of 165, 170, 172.5 and 175 millimetres. The bolt circle diameter is 110 millimetres. The chainline is 43.5 millimetres. The groupset supports frames with a small Q-factor and short chainstays.

Market positioning and availability

The Tiagra R4000 is positioned between the Shimano 105 R7000 and Shimano Cues U6030 as a mechanical road bike groupset. Pricing varies depending on the market and specification. Availability varies from region to region. Shimano will discontinue the previous Tiagra 4700 with 2x10 from the beginning of 2027, staggered according to markets and stock levels. Shimano does not provide any information on sales prices. The predecessor groupset with mechanical rim brakes is currently available for between €350 and €500. However, the range of complete groupsets is small - higher-quality groupsets are usually used for self-assembly. The 105 complete groupset with disc brakes is available from around 550 euros. However, the groupset is likely to play a major role in the original equipment sector for racing bikes in the lower price category. Brands such as Canyon, Radon or Van Rysel have equipped road bikes in the entry-level segment with the Tiagra groupset.

Technical specifications:

• Rear derailleur: RD-R4000 (2x11-speed)
• Front derailleur: FD-R4000
• Crank: FC-R4000 (52-36 or 50-34)
• Crank lengths: 165, 170, 172.5, 175 mm
• Shift lever: ST-R4020-L (left), ST-R4020-R (right)
• Cassette: CS-RS400-11 (11-36, 327% gear range)
• Chain: CN-HG601-11 (11-speed)
• Bolt circle diameter: 110 mm
• Chainline: 43.5 mm
• Rear wheel hub: 135-142 mm
• Chainstays: from 410 mm
• Freehub: Hyperglide Spline M and L (with 1.85 mm spacer)
• Weight saving: over 200 g compared to reference configurations