1921: Began producing single freewheels

1956: Began producing derailleurs

1957: Began producing internal three-speed hubs

1921: Began producing single freewheels

1956: Began producing derailleurs

1957: Began producing internal three-speed hubs

1973: Forged aluminum cranks

This first aluminum crank was employed in the first generation of the DURA-ACE series. With the marketing of this series, Shimano began taking a challenge on professional road races in Europe.

1974: Positioning mechanism

Shimano released the “Positron System”, a rear derailleur with positioning mechanism.

1976: Free hub

A free hub, which integrates a freewheel mechanism and a hub, features both compact size and light weight. The innovation made it easier to replace sprockets, and increased the rigidity and durability of axles.

1980: Aerodynamics

All components of the Aerodynamics Series employed designs that reduce air resistance. The DURA-ACE AX series, featuring aerodynamic designs, significantly impacted the bicycle industry.

1982: MTB components

The DEORE XT series, Shimano’s first MTB components, established standard performance for MTB.

1984: SIS - Shimano Index System

The DEORE XT series, Shimano’s first MTB components, established standard performance for MTB.

1986: Employed SIS on MTB components

SIS system mounted on the second generation of the DEORE XT series dramatically improved shifting maneuverability on off-roads.

1986: SLR - Shimano Linear Response

SLR featured extremely light brake operation. The unprecedented lightness was achieved by the incorporation of a spring in the brake lever and the reduction of the frictional resistance of the cable.

1987: Roller brake

Containing special grease in the brake, the roller brake significantly reduced noise caused by brake operations. Because of its excellent weatherproof performance, it was widely employed in city cycles used for commuting.

1988: Hyper Glide (HG) Gear

Each gear tooth had an optimal shape to smoothen chain movement, enabling super smooth and steady gear shifting. This technology became essential for shifting with a dual control lever, to be developed later on.

1990: Dual Control Lever

A dual control lever enabled the rider to perform shifting and braking operations with a single lever without releasing their hand from the handlebar. This mechanism triggered a revolution in bicycle racing.

1990: SPD - Shimano Pedaling Dynamics

This SPD system was developed as a pedal binding system for off-road rides. Incorporating anti-mud measures, the SPD achieved drastic improvement in pedaling efficiency.

1992: Change support mechanism

This internal speed changer system facilitated shifting during pedaling and dramatically improved rider’s comfortableness. The NEXUS Inter 7 was the first to be equipped with this system.

1999: Hollow Tech Crank - Forging technology of hollow crank arms

Hollow crank arms realized both light weight and rigidity. The successful development of forging technology, which used to be regarded as difficult, enabled production of a wide range of hollow crank arms.

2001: Di2 - Digital Integrated Intelligence

The Di2 series electronically controlled shifting and suspension settings. To reduce riders’ stress, shifting could be operated by lightly pressing a button and suspension setting was automatically adjusted by sensing the travel speed and road conditions.

2010: Ice Technologies

Cooling Technologies to prevent the fade phenomenon, caused by friction between the disc brake rotor and pads, and ensure stable performance. In addition to high heat dissipation, the pad’s durability, as well as the brake’s quietness has been improved.

2012: Hollow Tech Crank - Gluing technology of hollow cranks

The technology was used for producing cranks and gears by gluing thin forged parts. The use of this gluing technology enabled creation of three-dimensional and voluminous forms with excellent rigidity and light weight.

2014: Shimano Steps - Shimano Total Electric Power System

A concept that captures the entire functions proposed by Shimano’s use of electricity such as drive units, electronic shifting systems, and interface technologies.

2018: Hyperglide+

Through improving fitting of chains on the gears, as well as raising efficiency of the drive train, smooth and speedy gear change was made possible. This allows for more focus on the act of riding.