Shimano Inc. is a Japanese multinational manufacturer best known for producing high-performance bicycle components, fishing tackle, and rowing equipment. Founded in 1921, Shimano has grown into one of the world’s most influential companies in the cycling industry, supplying components for recreational riders, professional racers, and bicycle manufacturers across the globe. The company is widely recognized for its precision engineering, innovation, and durable products. [1]

• Company Name: Shimano Inc.

• Japanese Name: 株式会社シマノ (Kabushiki-gaisha Shimano)

• Founded: February 1921

• Founder: Shozaburo Shimano

• Headquarters: Sakai, Osaka, Japan

• Industry: Manufacturing

• Main Businesses:

• Bicycle Components

• Fishing Tackle

• Rowing Equipment

• Markets Served: Worldwide

• Products Sold In: More than 100 countries

Shimano was established in 1921 by Shozaburo Shimano in Sakai, Osaka, Japan. The company began as a small workshop specializing in manufacturing bicycle freewheels, which were difficult to produce at the time due to the precision machining required.

During the following decades, Shimano expanded its manufacturing capabilities and steadily became one of Japan’s leading bicycle component producers.

Major milestones include:

• 1921 – Company founded and production of bicycle freewheels begins.

• 1956 – Introduction of Shimano external gear systems.

• 1970 – Entry into the fishing tackle business.

• 1972 – Listed on the Osaka Securities Exchange.

• 1973 – First overseas factory established in Singapore.

• 1984 – Introduction of Shimano Index System (SIS), revolutionizing indexed gear shifting.

• 1990 – Launch of Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD), a clipless pedal system.

• 2009 – Commercial release of Di2 electronic shifting.

• 2021 – Shimano celebrates its 100th anniversary. [2]

1. Bicycle Components

Shimano is the world’s largest manufacturer of bicycle drivetrain and braking components. Its products are found on bicycles ranging from entry-level commuter bikes to elite professional racing machines.

Major component categories include:

• Groupsets

• Cranksets

• Derailleurs

• Shifters

• Brakes

• Wheels

• Pedals

• Chains

• Cassettes

• Hubs

• Bottom Brackets

• Cycling Shoes

Its products are used by many bicycle manufacturers worldwide and are common in road, mountain, gravel, BMX, trekking, and electric bicycles.

2. Fishing Tackle

Shimano entered the fishing market in 1970.

Its fishing division manufactures:

• Spinning reels

• Baitcasting reels

• Fishing rods

• Fishing apparel

• Fishing accessories

Popular fishing technologies include:

• HAGANE Gear

• X-Ship

• MicroModule Gear

• Infinity Drive

The fishing business has become one of Shimano’s largest revenue sources.

3. Rowing Equipment

Shimano also manufactures equipment for competitive rowing, including:

• Shoes

• Stretchers

• Foot systems

Although much smaller than its cycling and fishing divisions, Shimano supplies equipment used in international rowing competitions.

Shimano organizes its bicycle components into groupsets for different riding styles and budgets.

Road Bike Groupsets

Mountain Bike Groupsets

• XTR

• Deore XT

• SLX

• Deore

• CUES

• Alivio

• Acera

• Altus

• Tourney

Gravel

• GRX

Designed specifically for gravel and adventure riding.

Shimano Index System (SIS)

Introduced in 1984, SIS made gear changes faster and more accurate by indexing shift positions instead of relying solely on rider feel.

Shimano Total Integration (STI)

Allows riders to shift gears and brake from the same lever without moving their hands from the handlebars.

SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics)

Released in 1990, SPD is Shimano’s clipless pedal system, widely used in mountain biking, gravel riding, touring, and indoor cycling.

Di2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence)

Di2 is Shimano’s electronic shifting system, replacing mechanical cables with electronic switches and motors for fast, consistent gear changes.

HOLLOWTECH II

A crankset technology that combines a hollow forged crank arm with an external bottom bracket to improve stiffness while reducing weight.

Hyperglide+

A drivetrain technology designed to provide smoother shifting, particularly under pedaling load.

Shimano invests heavily in:

• Precision machining

• Cold forging

• Carbon composite engineering

• Electronic drivetrain systems

• Manufacturing automation

• Material science

The company performs much of its design and manufacturing in-house to maintain quality and consistency. [1]

Shimano operates manufacturing plants and business offices across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company maintains production facilities in countries including:

• Japan

• Singapore

• Malaysia

• China

• Cambodia

• Philippines

It also has regional sales and distribution companies serving major cycling markets worldwide.

Shimano is widely regarded as the global market leader in bicycle components, particularly in performance drivetrains and braking systems. It competes with companies such as:

• SRAM

• Campagnolo

• Microshift

Its products are commonly specified by bicycle manufacturers due to their broad compatibility, reliability, and extensive dealer network.

Shimano is known for:

• High manufacturing quality

• Reliable performance

• Long product lifespan

• Broad compatibility across product ranges

• Strong global service and dealer support

Its components are used by everyone from casual commuters to professional athletes competing in events such as the Tour de France and the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.

Shimano’s mission emphasizes promoting healthy lifestyles and outdoor recreation through cycling and fishing. The company focuses on developing products that combine performance, durability, and engineering precision while supporting sustainable manufacturing and long-term innovation. [1]

1. About Shimano｜SHIMANO Corporate Site