Shimano Bike Wheels, Groupsets & Footwear
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The Shimano story began 100 years ago in Sakai, Osaka, Japan, with a small workshop and a single lathe. Over the decades, Shimano grew steadily and developed a reputation for rigorous quality. Now led by the founder’s grandson, Yozo Shimano, it’s the biggest component manufacturer in the world. It sells more than $2 billion of product per year, pursuing its mission to promote health and happiness with the best outdoor products.
Shimano’s first product was a freewheel, but it was the unprecedented warranty that launched the company. If a Shimano freewheel failed, the company would replace it with two (!) — this confidence in reliability reinforced the company’s reputation as a stalwart, durable part manufacturer.
The company grew steadily over the next 50 years, and in the 1970s the company solidified its expansion into the international market. The opening of an American office and expansion of its team sponsorships marked the beginning of a new era. Shimano also launched the celebrated Dura-Ace bike drivetrain at this time. Dura-Ace products are still Shimano’s top-tier product line, updated regularly to keep up with advances in technology.
Shimano is — and always been — a family business. By staying true to its mission to connect people with nature, Shimano maintains its exceptional reputation for quality and performance.
What is Shimano’s background & where are they made?
Shimano is a Japanese multinational that manufactures cycling components, fishing tackle, and even rowing equipment. The company was founded in 1921 by Shozaburo Shimano in Sakai, Osaka, Japan.
What is Shimano’s hierarchy and what is their highest level?
Shimano's component hierarchy is structured to address levels of cyclists, from casual riders to professional racers. The hierarchy is organized by series or groups, with each group designed to offer a different balance of performance, durability, weight, and price. Their highest tier is their XTR range within MTB’s and Dura-Ace within their road bike line.
Shimano Groupset Hierarchy (Road & MTB)
Road Bike Groupsets
Entry-Level/Touring: Claris (R2000 series) and Sora (R3000 series) serve entry-level and casual road biking, offering reliable performance at an affordable price.
Intermediate: Tiagra (4700 series) steps up in quality and features, targeting more serious road enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance and cost.
Upper Intermediate: 105 (R7000 series) is widely regarded for its excellent value, offering near high-end performance at a mid-range price, making it popular among amateur racers and performance-oriented cyclists.
Semi-Professional: Ultegra (R8000 series) is closer to professional-grade, providing lighter weight components and enhanced performance features suitable for racing and advanced cycling.
Professional: Dura-Ace (R9100 series) stands at the pinnacle of Shimano's road cycling components, delivering top-tier performance, minimal weight, and advanced technology for professional racers and high-performance cyclists.
Mountain Bike Groupsets
Entry-Level: Altus and Acera cater to entry-level mountain biking, focusing on durability and affordability, ideal for casual trail riding.
Intermediate: Deore (M6000 series) offers a solid performance for more serious trail enthusiasts, often considered the entry point for dedicated mountain biking.
Upper Intermediate: SLX (M7000 series) is a favorite among experienced riders, offering a good balance of performance, weight, and cost.
High-Performance: XT (M8000 series) is designed for high-performance mountain biking, providing advanced features and lighter weight components suitable for competitive riding.
Top-Tier: XTR (M9000 series) represents the zenith of Shimano's mountain biking components, designed for elite-level performance with the lightest and most advanced materials and technology.
Shimano also has specific groupsets for other cycling disciplines like gravel biking, where the GRX series provides options across a similar hierarchy tailored to the demands of off-road and mixed-terrain riding. Road Mountain Entry-Level Tiagra Deore Mid-Level 105 SLX High-End Ultegra XT Top-Of-The-Line Dura-Ace XTR
Browse our related product listings pages: Shimano shoes, Shimano wheels, Shimano pedals, Shimano bottom brackets, Shimano brakes and accessories, Shimano cassettes & freewheels, Shimano chainrings, Shimano chains and chain accessories, Shimano cranksets, Shimano derailleurs, Shimano freehub body, Shimano microspline freehub body, Shimano SH-RX801, Shimano dura-ace c40, Shimano ultegra brake rotor, Shimano 105 rear derailleurs, Shimano Ultegra cranksets, Shimano Deore XT rear derailleurs, Shimano Ultegra shifters, Shimano R8000, RC903 vs RC902
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