Why the Shimano CUES FC-U6040-2 suits gravel and all-road builds

The Shimano CUES FC-U6040-2 Crankset in 170mm with 46/32t rings brings 2x gearing to gravel and all-road bikes without the cost of a road groupset. HOLLOWTECH II hollow-forged crank arms keep weight down while holding the stiffness that puts your effort into the rear wheel instead of into flex. The 46/32t pairing gives a usable top end for pavement alongside a 32 tooth inner ring that keeps loaded climbs and long gravel days manageable rather than survivable.

It runs an asymmetric 110mm bolt circle, a 152mm Q-factor, and a 47mm chain line, which is the geometry modern gravel frames are built around. The outboard bearing interface fits 68 and 70mm threaded shells, with Shimano recommending the BB-RS501 threaded or BB-RS500-PB press fit bottom bracket, sold separately. It runs Shimano LINKGLIDE or HG 11-speed chains as part of the CUES 9/10-speed platform. Worth noting before you buy: this ships as the crankset with both chainrings fitted, supplied without a chainguard and without bottom bracket parts.