Shimano's 2nd generation 11-speed rear derailleurs (R9100, R800, R700 series) are offered in a GS (mid-cage) version that allows you to run up to an 11-34 cassette. When Shimano designed the Ultegra and 105 cassettes for these drivetrains, they only went up to an 11-32. The 11-34 option is offered under the HG-non series cassette nomenclature. Why? Well the CS-HG700 (and HG800) 11 Speed Cassette works with both 10-speed and 11-speed Shimano freehub bodies. As such it can be used with 11-speed mountain or road drivetrains, and offers greater life to your older 10-speed freehub body-equipped wheels.

The back of the cassette spider has been machined with an inset that allows the wider 11-speed road cassette to fit the HG10 style freehub body. The cassette comes with a spacer, which you use when you have a Shimano road 11-speed compatible freehub body. Otherwise the CS-HG700 is is the same build and specification as the CS-R7000 series road cassettes: steel cogs, 3 largest on alloy spider, others using alloy spacers, plated for durability and corrosion resistance, and a steel 11T lock ring. Same great durability and precise, solid shifting performance- at a great value.