Shimano has focused on improving the quality and functions of its products since the development of an internal geared hub “3-speed hub” in 1957. Even after beginning the full-fledged development of components for sports bikes, Shimano continued actively developing components for city bikes, including internal geared hubs, and received a high evaluation in the U.S. and other countries. Meanwhile, Shimano determined to newly enter the European market of internal geared hubs, which were widely used for utility because of their high maintainability and durability, and released an internal 7-speed geared hub “INTER-7” for the European market in 1992. Shimano’s original shifting mechanism, which enabled riders to shift gears while pedaling, was well received, and Shimano‘s reputation was steadily growing. With various functions achieving comfort and safety, SHIMANO NEXUS, a components group for internal geared hubs originated from this success, is now offering a comfortable bicycle life to many users around the world.