I share
@Blue Hills 'doubtful' emoji.
Linkglide is not cross compatible
"If you want the benefit of these rugged new Shimano cassettes, you’ll have to invest in the new Deore 1×10 or XT 1×11 systems. Although the cassette is compatible with a standard HG freehub, it needs the new Linkglide Deore XT and Deore derailleurs, which feature Shimano’s Shadow RD+ low profile design and clutch mechanism for retaining chain tension."
And there's stuff about the pitch being different but then says a normal 11sp chain will be OK.
"there is one small catch - the Linkglide technology, while introduced in Deore 1x10 or XT 1x11 speed as a highly durable option, is not cross compatible or retrofittable with current drivetrains due to different gear pitches."
What's a "gear pitch"? Are they saying the pitch between sprockets is not the same across the cassette? Like the Campagnolo 11sp ones?
Well done trying to market a stronger more durable cassette (for e-bikes?) Low marks for creating non-compatibility and for not explaining the rationale for that.
The 11-50 cassette will be a snip at £100 (sorry
@Sharky ) and in-house testing 'suggests' it will last 3 times longer - so 9 chains?).
"There will be two Linkglide cassettes available; a 11-42T Deore cassette ($114 AUD) and a 11-50T Deore XT cassette ($179 AUD). Being designed for e-MTB use . . . "