The first product manufactured and marketed by Shimano. The founder, Shozaburo Shimano, was passionate about improving the quality and performance of freewheel, which were considered to be particularly difficult to manufacture among bicycle components at that time. The origin of Shimano's "Challenging Spirit", which lives on today.
BM Series
In the 1970s, Shimano began the development and production of bait reels, which required sophisticated technologies. The bait-reel that was created from in-depth analysis of the main market for bass fishing, the US, as well as the passion to pursue the ultimate user feel, gathered interest of people all across the world. This BM series is a line-up of the domestic brand, established after the decision to expand sales in 1978.
DURA-ACE 1st model
In 1965, following its advancement into the United States, Shimano next set eyes on Europe where professional races prospered. In order to successfully enter the already mature market with strong competition from long-standing manufacturers, Shimano began its challenge in a new genre—high-grade components for racing. The completed component series was named “DURA-ACE”, derived from “duralumin”, the component’s material, and “durability”, together with the term “ace”, to be number one. The components were sent off to professional teams to be used under realistic and harsh conditions for further improvements in quality and functionality. This resulted in outstanding technological advancements for Shimano.
DURA-ACE AX Series
Since entering the European market in 1973, Shimano had slowly built recognition but had not yet achieved widespread acceptance. In the search to develop revolutionary functions for the bicycle, the focus landed on aerodynamics to decrease “air resistance”—Shimano set focus on the development on such components. For the thorough establishment of aerodynamic design and weight deduction, as well as the shortening of development time, Shimano invested a large sum for an in-house wind tunnel laboratory. In a span of just six month, the DURA-ACE AX Series was born. The proudly revealed products were accepted with surprise from the public. However, since its debut, the DURA-ACE AX Series failed to meet customer satisfaction and was brought to an end. To this day, Shimano remembers this as a lesson, and continues to combine the efforts of planning, development and manufacturing to deliver captivating products.
DEORE XT 1st model
In the latter half of the 1970s, Shimano, upon receiving news of a mountain biking boom in the west coast of the United States, assigned members from the Japan headquarters to investigate locally. Experiencing the joy of it first hand, the members were confident in the potential of mountain biking and began the development of specialized components. The most challenging aspect was meeting the firmness required. The fact that these components would be used in unforeseen harsh environments, coupled with the exposure to rainwater and mud, made shielding-effect necessary. Durability tests were repeated with mud and sand collected from across the United States and finally, the first mountain bike component, “DEORE XT” came to life. The mountain bike movement had since spread further throughout the globe and contributed to the growth of Shimano as well.
DURA-ACE 7400_SIS
Regardless of the release of the EX and AX Series that followed the first generation of DURA-ACE in 1973, the feedback in the European race scene was not very great. It was the 7400 Series then, which was a product for the comeback of the DURA-ACE in terms of function, quality, and design. Installing the “index system” which was previously only on children bike components onto racing components as the “Shimano Index System (SIS)”, Shimano aimed to decrease miss-shifting and speeding down during the races with solid and accurate operation. Furthermore, making it possible to switch to the original friction operation made it easier for Pro-racers to try the new operation with ease and received praise.
HG Gear
During the latter half of the 1970s, to further improve the shifting function, Shimano developed the UG (UNIGLIDE) system, which focused on the shape of the gear tooth tips and chains. This drastically improved shifting functionality and supported Shimano’s system component for a long time. In 1989, a further improved HG (HYPERGLIDE) system was developed. Re-evaluating the entire movement during shifting, meticulous attention was given to understanding how gears and chains interact, so each teeth on the gear was designed uniquely for accurate hooking of the chain and hence minimizing shock. Furthermore, chain’s outer plate development with a bulge shape to better fit the gear, as well as durability and smoothness improvements were made. This HG system made the unforeseen smooth and accurate gear shifting possible.
Dual Control Lever
Upon developing the Shimano Index System (SIS) in 1984, the ease of gear shifting improved drastically. Next, Shimano brainstormed ways to bring the shifter lever, originally on the down tube, closer to the rider’s hand so they could be controlled without taking their hands off the handle. Thus was added the new function of shifting to the brake lever, making both braking and shifting possible with a single lever. In 1990, the Dual Control Lever for the DURA-ACE 7400 series was released. This revolutionized the world of road racing. The Dual Control Lever, while constantly improving, continues to provide all riders with safe and precise shifting today.
SPD
Shimano, upon beginning development of pedals in the latter 1970s, aimed to appreciate the intrinsic values of pedals through advancing uniqueness, and expanded its product lineup. In 1990, the SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics), a new pedaling system for off road which considered the ease of taking on and off, as well as the need to pedal and also walk at times to push the bike, was developed. This SPD, with the slogan “Bike it or Hike it” on great acclaim in the market for its convenient usage. Furthermore, Shimano expanded the use of SPD industry-wide, advocating other shoe makers to create products that could accommodate this system, eventually making SPD a standard for cycling sports pedaling systems.
SUPER AERO TITANIUM
Using a titanium body for the world prominent SUPER AERO series, a flagship model reel specifically designed for lure casting with its thorough pursuit of precision and rigidity. The combined affect of enhanced precision, detail, and durability with the use of titanium material and weight reduction technology resulted in a beautiful form. From the zoomed-up spools to bring the spool to the front with a single touch when casting, to the super slow oscillation system, and the cold forging technology application for the large-diameter master gear Super SHIP, this model made full use of the latest technologies at the time and had great presence.
HOLLOWTECH Ⅱ
Lightness―It is one of the essential features required of bicycle parts. Shimano has always pursued this eternal theme. Specifically, the lightness of the crankset, along with its rigidity, is a critical factor that greatly affects pedaling efficiency. Hollow crankarms achieved compatibility between these two contradictory features. The hollow-crankarm technology was first employed in the XTR M950 series launched in 1995. Subsequently, the hollow-structure technology continued to evolve and was named HOLLOWTECH in 1999. In 2004, HOLLOWTECH further evolved into HOLLOWTECH II, which achieved additional improvements in rigidity, weight reduction, and pedaling efficiency, by forming an integral structure consisting of bottom bracket and right crankarm.
DURA-ACE (DI2)
In the 2000s, a new concept emerged to offer components that were easier and more comfortable for people to use, by combining electronics with Shimano’s manufacturing expertise built in the years since its founding. The concept was named "DI2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence)." Based on technologies developed under DI2, in 2009, the "SEIS (Shimano Electronic Intelligent System)" was introduced in DURA-ACE. With its foolproof instant and precise operation, the SEIS brought new possibilities to the racing scene.
The first product manufactured and marketed by Shimano. The founder, Shozaburo Shimano, was passionate about improving the quality and performance of freewheel, which were considered to be particularly difficult to manufacture among bicycle components at that time. The origin of Shimano's "Challenging Spirit", which lives on today.
In 1970, Shimano took on Fishing Operations as its second pillar of business after Bicycle Components. Shimano's first ever spinning reel, the DUX, was completed with Shimano's strength in gear development and manufacturing as the base.
In the 1950s, Shimano, manufacturing freewheels and hubs up until that point, took on the production of shifting system. Internal geared hub that integrated leisure and practically was sold in 1958. From there, following original technology and quality improvements, as well as service system set-ups, Shimano attained high praise both inside and outside of Japan. This was the key product that started Shimano’s advancement into the global market.
In the 1970s, Shimano began the development and production of bait reels, which required sophisticated technologies. The bait-reel that was created from in-depth analysis of the main market for bass fishing, the US, as well as the passion to pursue the ultimate user feel, gathered interest of people all across the world. This BM series is a line-up of the domestic brand, established after the decision to expand sales in 1978.
In 1965, following its advancement into the United States, Shimano next set eyes on Europe where professional races prospered. In order to successfully enter the already mature market with strong competition from long-standing manufacturers, Shimano began its challenge in a new genre—high-grade components for racing. The completed component series was named “DURA-ACE”, derived from “duralumin”, the component’s material, and “durability”, together with the term “ace”, to be number one. The components were sent off to professional teams to be used under realistic and harsh conditions for further improvements in quality and functionality. This resulted in outstanding technological advancements for Shimano.
To further respond to the needs of anglers, Shimano spent one year in the United States to perform field survey. From the lessons learned there, Bantam, a simple yet robust bait reel, based on the concept of “comfort, delightfulness, and presence” and remodeling the framework of previous models, was developed. The Bantam, which was compact, lightness, and extremely precise, was highly praised by users from the beginners to the advanced, and was developed into a series. This was a product that became a catalyst for Shimano’s fishing tackles to enter the global market.
Since entering the European market in 1973, Shimano had slowly built recognition but had not yet achieved widespread acceptance. In the search to develop revolutionary functions for the bicycle, the focus landed on aerodynamics to decrease “air resistance”—Shimano set focus on the development on such components. For the thorough establishment of aerodynamic design and weight deduction, as well as the shortening of development time, Shimano invested a large sum for an in-house wind tunnel laboratory. In a span of just six month, the DURA-ACE AX Series was born. The proudly revealed products were accepted with surprise from the public. However, since its debut, the DURA-ACE AX Series failed to meet customer satisfaction and was brought to an end. To this day, Shimano remembers this as a lesson, and continues to combine the efforts of planning, development and manufacturing to deliver captivating products.
The materials of the rod has evolved from bamboo to polyester, glass fiber, and to carbon, as development technologies and improvements are made, meeting the needs of the time. Shimano has not only introduced novel materials, but analysed the structure of the materials and proceeds in thorough research. The X Line, formed by crossing over two carbon yarns diagonally, was developed in 1981. This structure achieved lightness in weight as well as endurance which were incorporated to produce excellent rods. This has also become the fundamental basis of Shimano’s rods structure that have been carried on to this day. In the following year, the X Line was renamed "Hi-Power X" and Shimano released a high-grade rod “Shumonhou” with this technology, in the market of hera-rods where it had yet to receive recognition. The premium appearance and original red crest-finish, along with the high functionality and ease of use, received high acclaim from the market. The X structure came to be recognized as representing Shimano’s high functioning rods across the world.
In the latter half of the 1970s, Shimano, upon receiving news of a mountain biking boom in the west coast of the United States, assigned members from the Japan headquarters to investigate locally. Experiencing the joy of it first hand, the members were confident in the potential of mountain biking and began the development of specialized components. The most challenging aspect was meeting the firmness required. The fact that these components would be used in unforeseen harsh environments, coupled with the exposure to rainwater and mud, made shielding-effect necessary. Durability tests were repeated with mud and sand collected from across the United States and finally, the first mountain bike component, “DEORE XT” came to life. The mountain bike movement had since spread further throughout the globe and contributed to the growth of Shimano as well.
One desired function of a rod is the feeling as if the hand and rod come together as one, directing even minor movements seamlessly and allowing for a smooth operation. In the 1980s, Shimano embarked on the development of a grip part that would refine and deliver these sensations. Employing a novel design that integrated a full carbon blank and reel sheet onto a bass fishing rod, an outstanding decrease in weight and refinement of sensibility was achieved. Additionally, the unification with the hand and reel during hold increased ease of operation. This Magnumlite GT was proposed with the Magnumlite reel and gained high approval ratings in the US market with its innovative design. Shimano's rod products have become a key product that has attracted the attention of the world.
Regardless of the release of the EX and AX Series that followed the first generation of DURA-ACE in 1973, the feedback in the European race scene was not very great. It was the 7400 Series then, which was a product for the comeback of the DURA-ACE in terms of function, quality, and design. Installing the “index system” which was previously only on children bike components onto racing components as the “Shimano Index System (SIS)”, Shimano aimed to decrease miss-shifting and speeding down during the races with solid and accurate operation. Furthermore, making it possible to switch to the original friction operation made it easier for Pro-racers to try the new operation with ease and received praise.
In the mid 1980’s, Shimano poured energy into the development of a new products crowned with the title, “α” in the effort to create a novel and appealing technology. In the midst of it, Shimano focused on the challenges in operating the traditional Ayu rod which was over seven meters in length. The mechanism created then was “ZOOM” which made the instantaneous adjustment of length possible. This drastically improved the maneuverability and aim which was praised highly by anglers. Later renamed “αZOOM”, this mechanism spanned various fishing techniques and evolved to be a rod technology that represents Shimano.
During the latter half of the 1970s, to further improve the shifting function, Shimano developed the UG (UNIGLIDE) system, which focused on the shape of the gear tooth tips and chains. This drastically improved shifting functionality and supported Shimano’s system component for a long time. In 1989, a further improved HG (HYPERGLIDE) system was developed. Re-evaluating the entire movement during shifting, meticulous attention was given to understanding how gears and chains interact, so each teeth on the gear was designed uniquely for accurate hooking of the chain and hence minimizing shock. Furthermore, chain’s outer plate development with a bulge shape to better fit the gear, as well as durability and smoothness improvements were made. This HG system made the unforeseen smooth and accurate gear shifting possible.
The Bantam Scorpion, stemming from the Bantam Series was released. Focusing on the Japanese Bass Fishing market, reels that matched the hands of the Japanese user and echoed the sensitivity of Japanese were developed in 1990 and rods the following year. With excellent functionality and operability, the Bantam Scorpion known for its “Scorpion Red” color design and the tagline “A Japanese Bait Reel for the Japanese” captured the hearts of anglers and made a great impact. Later, other gear including apparel and equipment were introduced under the brand “Scorpion”, further supporting the Bass fishing boom in Japan.
Upon developing the Shimano Index System (SIS) in 1984, the ease of gear shifting improved drastically. Next, Shimano brainstormed ways to bring the shifter lever, originally on the down tube, closer to the rider’s hand so they could be controlled without taking their hands off the handle. Thus was added the new function of shifting to the brake lever, making both braking and shifting possible with a single lever. In 1990, the Dual Control Lever for the DURA-ACE 7400 series was released. This revolutionized the world of road racing. The Dual Control Lever, while constantly improving, continues to provide all riders with safe and precise shifting today.
CALCUTTA, which first appeared in 1991 as a baitcasting reel for bass-fishing, received great attention from across the world from its unique and beautiful spherical made possible through precise machining technologies. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, there are functionality benefits such as the one-piece body utilizing aluminum materials for increased durability and resistance to strain. While constantly incorporating the newest technologies, the CALCUTTA continues to evolve to meet the wide range of needs as a key product representing the binding of both beauty and functionality.
Shimano, upon beginning development of pedals in the latter 1970s, aimed to appreciate the intrinsic values of pedals through advancing uniqueness, and expanded its product lineup. In 1990, the SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics), a new pedaling system for off road which considered the ease of taking on and off, as well as the need to pedal and also walk at times to push the bike, was developed. This SPD, with the slogan “Bike it or Hike it” on great acclaim in the market for its convenient usage. Furthermore, Shimano expanded the use of SPD industry-wide, advocating other shoe makers to create products that could accommodate this system, eventually making SPD a standard for cycling sports pedaling systems.
STELLA had a stunning debut in 1992 with its SBL (Shimano Balance Lock) system, which eliminated the tremors of the spinning reel when reeling, which was a given phenomenon. Since, Shimano has been focusing on further developing eternally smooth reeling and has attained much praise from users around the world. The surprisingly smooth reeling feel was made possible through the research in sensory feelings of the finger tips, as well as the integration of cutting edge precision technologies. Ultimate balance, powerful yet light rotations, refined module and structure, and design and materials to achieve beauty—all which make up STELLA. STELLA, which changed the history of spinning reels, continues to shine bright and lead the way for new advancements in the field.
The enjoyment of mountain bikes have gradually been gaining attention also in terms of racing. This created the desire for components that were both durable and lightweight, which could withstand the harsh conditions of racing. Hearing those needs, Shimano poured great power into the development of new components specific to racing that were the optimal strength and quality, and allowed for direct maneuverability. SHIMANO XTR, born from the concept of STI (Shimano Total Integration), a joint combination of individual parts under a single system to establish further value, has brought surprise to the market and received high acclaim.
Using a titanium body for the world prominent SUPER AERO series, a flagship model reel specifically designed for lure casting with its thorough pursuit of precision and rigidity. The combined affect of enhanced precision, detail, and durability with the use of titanium material and weight reduction technology resulted in a beautiful form. From the zoomed-up spools to bring the spool to the front with a single touch when casting, to the super slow oscillation system, and the cold forging technology application for the large-diameter master gear Super SHIP, this model made full use of the latest technologies at the time and had great presence.
Lightness―It is one of the essential features required of bicycle parts. Shimano has always pursued this eternal theme. Specifically, the lightness of the crankset, along with its rigidity, is a critical factor that greatly affects pedaling efficiency. Hollow crankarms achieved compatibility between these two contradictory features. The hollow-crankarm technology was first employed in the XTR M950 series launched in 1995. Subsequently, the hollow-structure technology continued to evolve and was named HOLLOWTECH in 1999. In 2004, HOLLOWTECH further evolved into HOLLOWTECH II, which achieved additional improvements in rigidity, weight reduction, and pedaling efficiency, by forming an integral structure consisting of bottom bracket and right crankarm.
Since the latter half of the 1980s, Shimano has been focusing on the development of fishing tackle incorporating electronic control technology. In 2000, the Company began developing a technology termed the digital control (DC) brake. Until then, Shimano had installed brakes that used centrifugal force on bait reels. This DC brake was an epoch-making technology in that it generated electricity as an additional capability and automatically applied the brake in an ideal manner by electronic control. The DC brake, which took about three years to develop, was first installed on the CALCUTTA CONQUEST 200DC in 2003, and received a great deal of attention because of its functionality.
In the 2000s, a new concept emerged to offer components that were easier and more comfortable for people to use, by combining electronics with Shimano’s manufacturing expertise built in the years since its founding. The concept was named "DI2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence)." Based on technologies developed under DI2, in 2009, the "SEIS (Shimano Electronic Intelligent System)" was introduced in DURA-ACE. With its foolproof instant and precise operation, the SEIS brought new possibilities to the racing scene.
The gears determine the reeling feel of reels. Shimano has conducted research in pursuit of further precision, durability, and smoothness, and has produced various technologies so far. In search of a better feel, it explored new way to improve the reeling feel. Focusing on the tactile sensation through the fingers, Shimano discovered that smaller gear teeth (modules) were effective in providing both a smoother feel and quieter operation. In 2012, the MICROMODULE GEAR was completed with both smooth winding feel and strength.
