Since its launch in 1975, SHIMANO 600 was widely known for more than ten years. However, as the role of the series was being established, a series name appropriate to contain and unify it became required. In 1987, in the hope of making a leap forward following SHIMANO 600, SHIMANO 600 ULTEGRA was originated together with a new concept. It has evolved into the current high-end series SHIMANO ULTEGRA.