Fixie Bikes – Retro Cycling Vintage

High Flange Hubs

Posted March 2, 2010 by admin in Campagnolo, Shimano, Suntour, wheels | No comments yet

High flange hubs were all the rage during the 60s and 70s. Having high flange hubs on your bike instantly adds a touch of retro class to it.
High flange hubs are not just about fashion - they also add to the stiffness of the ride, hence they are used a lot on track bikes. The shorter spokes that are used with high flange hubs mean that there is less flex in the spokes which equates to a stiffer ride.

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Campagnolo Record high flange front hub polished 36 HOLE TRACK PISTA FIXIE    US $41.04

NOS Old School BMX Gold SR High Flange Hubs 1983 Vintage GT CW Haro Rare    US $37.92

NOS Old School BMX Black SR High Flange Hubs 1983 Vintage GT CW Haro Rare    US $47.40

NOS Old School BMX Silver SR High Flange Hubs 1983 Vintage GT CW Haro Rare    US $36.34

NOS Old School BMX Blue Rear SR High Flange Hub 1983 Vintage GT CW Haro Rare    US $8.69

Vintage Sansin Tandem bike Touring Hub 40 Hole Polished NOS bicycle high flange    US $149.00

NOS Old School BMX Red Front SR High Flange Hub 1983 Vintage GT CW Haro Rare    US $9.48

Vtg 80s BMX SUZUE HIGH FLANGE HUBS w 20 ARAYA RIMS WHEELS OFF REDLINE HUTCH    US $9.95

Shimano Dura Ace Track Hubs 32 hole High Flange NEW    US $219.00

Vintage Sunshine Front Hub Alloy High Flange Quick Release 36 Spoke Used    US $29.99

Vintage 36 h Campagnolo nuovo tipo high flange hubs polished Nuovo grand sport    US $75.00

Phil Wood high flange 36h front hub Super Champion rim Campagnolo skewer 27    US $79.00

NOS Gnutti High Flange 36h Front Rear Hubs Skewers Made in Italy    US $59.99

pelissier front high flanged hub 36 used    US $34.99

Campagnolo Record 36° High Flange Hubs Pair    US $62.00

NOS Campagnolo C Record Sheriff Star high flange 32h rear hub    US $489.00

Fixie Single speed Front hub Silver Alloy high flange cup and cone ball bearings    US $39.99

Vintage Campagnolo Campy Nuovo Record High Flange Rear Hub Italian Italy 36 hole    US $14.50

Campagnolo C Record Hi flange front road hub with QR high flange HF    US $77.00

Campagnolo Nuovo Record High Flange Hubs 36 hole 1974    US $52.00

vintage french NORMANDY front hub 36 spokes high flange    US $15.00

SUNSHINE front HUB OLDIE NUTTED 3 8 INCH AXLE HIGH FLANGE    US $13.47

Vintage Shimano High Flange Front Hub Alloy 36 Spoke Bolt On Used    US $27.99

1 BH Airlite high large flange English track pista 1950s front hub 36 holes    US $47.95

SUZUE HIGH FLANGE GOLD ANNODIZED VINTAGE BICYCLE HUBS TRACK FIXIE BMX ROAD BIKE    US $10.77

BH Airlite high large flange 1950s rear threaded freewheel hub 36 holes    US $54.95

Campagnolo Super Record Pair of High Flange HUBS 121mm 36h C    US $159.99

New DK High Flange BMX Fixie Fixed Gear Bicycle Hub 14mm Axles 48 Hole Front    US $19.99

EXCELTOO super competition front high flanged hub used    US $89.99

Rare GT MOHAWK HUBS 36 HOLE HIGH FLANGE Rear NOS Front Profile Sunshine Araya    US $199.99

BMX Single Speed Fixie Rear Bicycle Hub Freewheel 14mm Axles 48 Hole High Flange    US $6.52

New Primo Stock Hub BMX Single Speed Fixie High Flange 14mm Freewheel 48 Hole    US $24.99

Ukai Rear 20 48 Spoke Wheel with Freewheel and Joytech High Flange Hub    US $55.00

Old School SUNSHINE BMX HUBS red high lo flange 36 hole mongoose GT    US $17.00

vintage 70s alloy hub NEW Schwinn 36 hole high flange front    US $45.00

vintage 70s alloy Schwinn 36 hole high flange rear hub    US $56.00

Campagnolo globe logo high flanged rear hub French threaded OLD 123 actual used    US $129.99

Phil Wood High Flange Rear Track Hub 32h Chrome    US $176.92

1 ULTRA ALUMINUM 6 1 4 SNAP ON 1 PIECE MOLD ALUMINUM] WHEEL CENTER CAP HUB    US $64.99

Campagnolo Super Record Pair of High Flange HUBS 120mm 36h B    US $149.99

NOS Vintage Shimano Dura Ace high flange front hub black 36h    US $95.00

Vintage Pelissier High Flange Alloy Front Hub 36 Spoke France Used    US $43.99

Formula Track Fixie Front Hub Black Sealed Bearings 32h High Flange Nutted NEW    US $39.99

Formula Track Fixie Front Hub Silver Sealed Bearings 36h High Flange Nutted NEW    US $39.99

Bicycle Hub 10 Bearing Sunrace HIGH Flange BMX HUB 6001    US $14.95

Bicycle Hub Ceramic Bearing Sunrace HIGH Flange BMX HUB    US $59.95

Bike Hub 10 Bearing Sunrace HIGH Flange BMX Front 6001    US $14.95

Bike Hub Full Ceramic Bearing Sunrace HIGH Flange BMX    US $59.95

Bike Hub Bearing Ceramic Sunrace HIGH Flange BMX Front    US $17.77

Bike Bearing Ceramic ABEC 7 Sunrace HIGH Flange BMX Hub    US $35.00

Phil Wood High Flange Rear Track Hub 32h Fixed free    US $181.99

Campagnolo Super Record High Flange 36H Hubs    US $240.00

Normandy round hole front high flanged hub with wing nuts used    US $49.99

Phil Wood High Flange Track Bike Hub Front 32h Chrome    US $166.93

NOS Blue SUZUE FRONT High Flange HUB Old School BMX    US $63.74

Bike Hub Bearing PAUL Components HIGH Flange Front 6902    US $5.95

Bike Hub Bearing Ceramic PAUL Components HIGH Flange    US $17.77

Bike Hub Bearing Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX Front 6902    US $5.95

Bike Hub Bearing Ceramic Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX ZrO2    US $17.77

Full Ceramic Bike Bearing Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX Hub    US $54.95

Bike Hub Bearing Ceramic Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX 6902    US $17.77

Bike Hub Bearing Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX Front Sealed    US $6.95

Bicycle Bearing Ceramic PAUL Components HIGH Flange Hub    US $14.95

Bicycle Hub Bearing PAUL Components HIGH Flange Front    US $6.95

Ceramic Bicycle Bearing PAUL Components HIGH Flange Hub    US $109.00

10 Bicycle Hub Bearing PAUL Components HIGH Flange Rear    US $29.95

Bicycle Hub Bearing PAUL Components HIGH Flange Rear    US $6.95

10 Bicycle Hub Bearing Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX Front    US $29.95

Bicycle Hub Bearing Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX Front    US $6.95

Bicycle Bearing Ceramic Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX Hub    US $35.00

Campagnolo Large High Flange Record Hubs Mavic Mod Module E Wheels Wheelset 27    US $229.99

VINTAGE Normandy high flange front hub 36h 36 spoke nutted 96mm OLD FRENCH    US $17.50

Paul High Flange 120mm 32h Rear Track Hub Black    US $123.93

Paul Components High Flange 32hole Fixed Rear Hub    US $105.00

Vintage Pelissier High Flange Alloy Hub Set Front Rear 36 Spoke France Used    US $124.99

Campagnolo Large High Flange Record Hubs Mavic MA40 MA 40 Wheels Wheelset    US $229.99

CAMPAGNOLO RECORD 36H high flange TRACK FRONT HUB    US $94.90

NOS Suzue 36h rear high flange hub sealed bearing bronze color    US $28.88

Vintage lambert High Flange Alloy Hub Set Front Rear 36 Spoke F    US $75.00

MAVIC Open Pro Black Dura Ace Track High Flange Hubs    US $495.00

Phil Wood High Flange Track Front Hub 32h Chrome    US $149.25

Resist Icon Track Hub FRONT High Flange Fixed 36h Flat BLACK    US $69.99

Phil Wood track high flange hub set pair32 or 36 hole    US $364.99

When you're getting your high flange hubs built up onto clincher or tubular rims be sure to get the size of the spokes measured exactly as they are bound to be very different from spokes used with regular hubs.

Brodie MTB parts

Posted September 28, 2009 by admin in Mtb, Shimano | No comments yet

Brodie Research is a small company that was founded back in 1986. They are still growing and proud of their products. According to promo material from 1990 these were the people who were making, moulding and inspiring the Brodie products.

Paul Brodie, an aspiring veteran racer is sinking deeper and deeper into an administrative role but still finds time to TIG weld every frame. Paul made his first frame when he was 13.
Jane Slash Brodie has helped shape the company with her good ideas and sound advice. Jane's custom race shirts are in demand and help make Brodie unique.
Mike Truelove learnt the art of frame building after extensive work in bicycle retail. Mike does most of the brazing, plays bicycle polo and races in expert class

The Sovereign is meticulously crafted from a blend of Tange Logic tubing with Concept seat stays. The Sovereign is TIG welded and comes with a Gatorblade fork, Brodie handbuilt stem, Brodie Brake Booster, Brodie Lovehandles, Interloc seat post, handbuilt wheels and Shimano XT components. Designed to give you a ride with the absorbtion qualities of titanium and the price tag of steel, its perfect fo the racer who demands control.

The Catalyst race proven in Western Canada has been a success with Tange's innovative Concept tubing. With the addition of Logic chainstays its even better. Our alignment processes guarantee you get a bicycle that tracks straight, and our geometry gives you the kind of handling that builds confidence and makes you want to ride.

The Brodie brake booster evolved from work on a huge oversize U-Brake that flexed the brake braze-ons enormously. The booster is alive and well in 1991, 10 grams lighter, full of holes and racy looks.

Brodie lovehandles offer alternate hand positions for hill climbing or touring. Forged from 356 aluminium and heat-treated, they are available in silver or black, with plastic end caps and allen key for installation.

Brodie Airtime was designed as an instant, onboard air supply. It consists of three items: the CO2 cartridge, the valve adapter, and the holder. No matter what kind of bike you race, Airtime will save valuable seconds should the Flat Demon pick on you.
Frame geometry is still much like the first ROMAX. The head angle is 70.5 and fork rake is 1.75". Seat tube angle is 74 degrees.

A Brief History of Shimano – Part2

Posted September 7, 2009 by admin in Mtb, Road, Shimano | No comments yet

Shimano’s real advance came in beating its competitors in becoming the dominant force in the early mountainbike marketplace with the creation of dedicated off road thumb shifters and beefed up brakes that could withstand the extra demands that off roaders required. By the late 1980s Shimano were the standard on off the peg mtbs.

This led to further expansion of the product range with off road shoes being added in 1988 and rapidfire underbar shifters in 1989. In 1990 Shimano revolutionized off road pedals with their SPD range of quick release pedals.

In 1995 Shimano developed its hub gearing credentials with its Nexus range of four and seven speed internal hubs for cruiser and city style bicycles as well as a lockable hub gear that could prevent a bicycle being stolen and ridden away. This was released in Japan in 1997. In utility cycling Shimano excelled as Chinese demand for higher quality bikes increased. Previously the majority of bike in china had only one gear, but as the economic fortunes of China increased so did the number of gears on their bicycles with Shimano thought to have equipped around half of the 320 million bikes sold there.

It was not all plain sailing for Shimano during this era, the largest recall of bicycle parts ever was for their cranks which had been reported as breaking do to a design fault. 2.5 million were recalled which cost Shimano $15million, an expensive downside to their popularity on virtually every mountainbike sold during that period.

Success against their main rivals Campagnolo on the road began in 1988 with Andy Hamsten’s victory in the Giro d’Italia but was cemented in 1999 when they were ridden to their first ever Tour De France win when Lance Armstrong began his winning streak, further removing the dominance of European cycling brands from this traditional area of cycle sport. One that is continuing to this day.

Shimano Innovations:

Biopace chainrings – non circular chainrings

Nexus – Internal geared hubs with coaster brake

Dyna Drive – A pedal system with no pedal axle. Did not catch on.

Freehub body – Combined rear hub and freewheel body. Allowed Sprockets to be easily changed. Did not succeed originally but was re-introduced when more sprockets were being fitted to gearing systems.

Hyperglide – ramped sprockets to allow for easier upshifting

Hollowtech Cranks - pressure die cast cranks as tubes open at the pedal end and forged closed before being threaded for pedals.

ServoWave brakes – Cams fitted to brake levers to allow more cable to be pulled at the start of the braking process and less when pads are against the rims allowing for greater modulation

STI – Gearshifts and braking all done from the same lever. Riders no longer had to take their hands from the bars to change gears.

SLR – Sprung brake levers coupled with weaker springs on the brakes themselves giving the impression of easier operation.

Some classic Shimano Groupsets include

Dura Ace

Ultegra

600

600EX

AX

105

Sante

DeoreXT

Deore XTR

Deore LX

Deore DX

Deore

Hone

Saint

Shimano SPD Pedaling Dynamics

Posted September 5, 2009 by admin in Mtb, Shimano | No comments yet

Shimano's 1990 clipless pedal and shoe combo were sneak previewed at the end of 1989 and hit the stores in 1990. Originally designed for serious racing  the double sided PD-M737 pedal sold in the UK for £100 and the grey SH-M100 shoes, which featured a recessed cleat design to give tough grip walking and maximum performance for riding for around £60.

Advertised under the banner of "Bike it or Hike it" Shimano took out full page advertisments in just about every bike magazine going. Describing the SH-M100 SPD Shoe "Recessed design cleat and rigid nylon mid sole for pedaling power. Soft rubber puter sole for comfortable hiking" and the PD-M737 SPD Pedal "Includes special cleat that mates to the SH-M100 shoe for improved pedaling performance"

Shimano SPDs For Sale

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WELLGO SPD MAGNESIUM ROAD BIKE PEDALS W SHIMANO CLEATS    US $32.87

Shimano PD A600 Ultegra SPD SL Road Bike Pedals with SH 51 Cleats    US $98.97

SHIMANO BICYCLE BIKE SM SH56 SPD PEDAL SHOE CLEATS NEW    US $17.87

Shimano Bicycle SPD Pedal PD A530 Mountain Bike NEW worlwide free shipment    US $55.00

Shimano SPD Mountain Bike Pedals PD M540 Mount 540 worldwide Free Shipment NEW    US $48.00

New Exustar MTB Shimano SPD Pedal Cleats E C06 Ti 11g    US $84.95

Shimano Tiagra 4603 Triple 10spd 286 318mm Front Dera    US $41.23

Shimano Tiagra 4600 Double 10spd Braze On Front Deraill    US $38.53

Ergon TP1 Pedal Cleat Tool SPD Shimano Compatible Mountain Bike New Worldwide    US $28.00

Ergon TP1 Pedal Cleat Tool Shimano SPD SL Compatible Road Bike Worldwide Ship    US $28.00

Shimano 10spd xt shadow    US $40.00

Shimano PD M324 platform SPD clipless pedalsRoadNEW    US $41.87

Shimano SPD pedals with removable standard pedal inserts NO RESERVE    US $10.00

Shimano Dura Ace Pedals PD 7900 SPD SL    US $349.99

Shimano 105 PD 5700 SPD Road Bike Pedals w Cleats Black New    US $70.99

Shimano M 020D SPD mountain road bike shoes NEW sz 6 W7    US $29.99

Shimano MT43L SPD Trail Commuter MTB Bike Cycling Shoes Black Size EU 47    US $96.10

Shimano MT43L SPD Trail Commuter MTB Bike Cycling Shoes Black Size EU 45    US $96.10

Shimano SH MT42NV SPD MTB Commuting Shoes Navy Black EU 41    US $123.59

Shimano SH M087G SPD MTB Bike Cycling Shoes Grey Size EU 50    US $127.58

Shimano SH M086Z SPD MTB Bike Cycling Shoes Bronze Silver Size EU 41    US $127.58

Shimano SH M086Z SPD MTB Bike Cycling Shoes Bronze Silver Size EU 40    US $127.58

Shimano SH AM30 SPD Mountain Bike Shoes Black US 76    US $83.42

Shimano WR61 Womens Fit Road Bike SPD SL Shoes White Blue EU Size 40    US $132.82

Shimano M162 MTB Mountain Bike SPD Shoes White Black EU Size 44 US 97    US $132.68

Shimano M162 MTB Mountain Bike SPD Shoes White Black EU Size 45 US 105    US $132.68

Shimano M162 MTB Mountain Bike SPD Shoes White Black EU Size 42 US 83    US $132.68

Shimano XC50N MTB XC Winter SPD Shoes Black Red EU Size 43 US 8    US $132.68

Shimano XC50N MTB XC Winter SPD Shoes Black Red EU Size 44 US 97    US $132.68

Shimano XC50N MTB XC Winter SPD Shoes Black Red EU Size 45 US 115    US $132.68

Shimano MW81 Winter Waterproof Insulated MTB SPD Shoes Black EU Size 45 US 105    US $207.73

Shimano MW81 Winter Waterproof Insulated MTB SPD Shoes Black EU Size 44 US 97    US $207.73

Shimano SH R106 SPD SL Road Shoes White Red EU 46 US 125    US $138.97

Shimano SH R106 SPD SL Road Shoes White Red EU 44    US $138.97

Shimano M077 SPD Cycling Shoe Gray EU 45 US 115 MTB XC    US $92.61

Shimano M087L SPD Cycling Shoe Black EU 42 US 9 MTB XC    US $108.00

Shimano XC50N MTB XC Winter SPD Shoes Black Red EU Size 42 US 83    US $132.68

Shimano SH RW80 SPD Road Shoes BLACK EU 44 US 105 Gore Tex    US $193.20

Shimano PD R540 Road SPD Clipless PedalsCleats Silver    US $56.99

Shimano SPD Compatible R132 Road Triathlon Cycling Shoes Size 45 Metric or 10 US    US $15.50

NEW Shimano Ultegra STI Shifters 6700 Set 10 SPD Speed Road Bike Cycle Pair    US $359.99

SHIMANO PD M540 SPD MTB PEDALS hybrid city W CLEATS NEW    US $44.87

Shimano SPD Cleat Set SM SH56 Silver Bicycle Pedal Accessory NEW    US $17.75

Titanium Ti Bolt Shimano SPD M980 M970 M780M770 M647 M545 Pedal Cleat    US $15.00

Shimano PD 520 L SPD Clipless MTB Bicycle Pedals    US $44.99

Shimano SPD Cleat SM SH51 Brand New Unopened    US $15.99

Vintage Shimano 600 Rear Hub HB 6207 1985 6 spd 36h QR ultegra bike bicycle    US $99.00

SHIMANO PD M520 MOUNTAIN BIKE SPD PEDALS URBAN CLEATS    US $35.87

Shimano SPD Cleat SM SH11 Compatible With All Shimano SPD SL Pedal Brand New NIB    US $11.49

NEW Shimano SH 51 SPD CLEATS MTB Pedals    US $9.00

Shimano SH RO99 SPD Carbon Cycling Shoes    US $75.00

Shimano PD A600 Ultegra SPD Road Bike Pedal w Cleats    US $78.95

Vintage Shimano Exage Rear Hub Mtb Bicycle 36h 135 bcd NOS 7 spd Mountain bike    US $49.00

Shimano PD A520 SPD Single Side Clipless Touring Pedals NEW    US $48.99

Mens Shimano Sh M 012G SPD Bike Cycling Cleats Sz 6 US    US $29.99

Falcon Freewheel 5 spd 14 28 Shimano compatible 5 Speed    US $24.99

Shimano Dura Ace 6 spd Freewheel Gold 13 18 Road bike bicycle used    US $59.00

Shimano RT32 SPD Road Bike Touring Commuting Shoes BLACK Size EU 42    US $112.24

Shimano RT32 SPD Road Bike Touring Commuting Shoes BLACK Size EU 44    US $112.24

NEW Shimano 5 spd speed EF freewheel 14 28 MF Z015 bike bicycle thread on cogs    US $85.00

2011 Shimano SPD cleat SH11 cleats for all SPD SL pedals bicycle NEW    US $19.95

Shimano MT71 Gore Tex SPD Vibram Sole MTB Bike Trail Cycling Shoes Brown EU 46    US $192.41

Shimano MT71 Gore Tex SPD Vibram Sole MTB Bike Trail Cycling Shoes Brown EU 45    US $192.41

Shimano M123L SPD Competition MTB Bike Cycling Shoes Black Silver Size EU 46    US $144.31

Shimano M123L SPD Competition MTB Bike Cycling Shoes Black Silver Size EU 44    US $144.31

Shimano SH R076L SPD SL Road Shoes BLACK SILVER Size US 4½    US $88.12

Shimano PD 6700 Ultegra SPD SL Road Pedals Clipless Carbon    US $193.04

Shimano PD R670 SPD SL road Bike Pedals Cleats    US $135.15

700C Road bike Wheelset Easton EC90 Aero 56mm Tubular SRAM SHIMANO 10SPD NEW    US $1,299.00

VP C01 VP Components SPD Bike Pedal Cleats Shimano SH51Compatible    US $16.34

Shimano 105 ST5603 Triple Road STI Levers 10spd Black    US $348.91

Shimano 105 PD 5700 SPD Road Bike Pedals w Cleats Sil    US $70.99

Shimano SH MT21 Brown MTN SPD Shoes Size 36    US $30.35

Shimano Deore M591 SGS Long Cage 9 spd Rear Der Silver    US $51.91

Mavic Ksyrium SL Helium Aniversay Edition 700c clinchers for Shimano 10spd    US $495.00

Shimano PD M540 SPD Clipless MTB Bicycle Pedals    US $59.99

NEW ALUMINUM CARBON ROAD BIKE 27SPD SHIMANO TIAGRA 50cm    US $439.00

Shimano Dura Ace SH 90 SPD R Road Bike Shoe Cleats Pair    US $4.95

Sz Euro 41 75 US Mens SHIMANO Multi Purpose SH MT22 Bike MTB CYCLING SHOES SPD    US $39.95

Fine Shimano Dura Ace Small Flange Rear 7 Spd 36 Spoke Hub QR Skewer    US $19.99

SHIMANO SPD SL SH10 CLEAT SET FIXED MODE RED NEW    US $26.58

SHIMANO SPD SL SH11 CLEAT SET SELF AUGNING MODE YELLOW    US $26.58

Shimano M520 SPD Pedals MTN    US $13.35

Shimano 7402 8 spd STI shifters brifters vintage commuter or cyclocross    US $62.99

SHIMANO SPD CYCLING BIKING BIKE SHOES WOMENS 9 40 BLUE    US $28.99

CYCLING SPORT SHOES SHIMANO SPD SL WHITE FOOTWEAR NEW    US $.99

Shimano Pedals PD R540 Pedals Shimano PD R540 SPD SL Pedal Set    US $54.99

Shimano R106L SPD SL Mens Size 44    US $70.00

Shimano pd m520 MTB clipless SPD pedals Mountain bike speed sport for biking    US $20.00

Shimano SH TR30A Cycling Shoes 42 83 SPD NEW    US $70.00

"Shimano Pedaling Dynamics is the new generation shoe pedal interfae that lets you bike it or hike it without compromising performance.
With its leat locked tight into the PD-M737 pedal, the SPD shoe becomes part of an integrated high performance pedaling system. Off the bike, the deep tread rubber sole makes it a comfortable sure-footed hiking shoe.
Advanced Shimano design and a unique "recessed design" cleat make it possible. Get Shimano Pedaling Dynamics for increased comfort and perofmance-on or off the bike"

Look and Adidas had already come out with early pedal systems but these were designed for road use. Shimnano SPD was the first designed for off road use and were an immediate hit. The small pedals also had the advantage that there was less to break - no cages to hit against tree stumps accidentally and bend.

One early concern however was mud clearance and in Canada, UK and northern Europe this was a genuine concern, especially for mtb racers who could often be seen stamping their feet down on their pedals after a muddy running section to try to shed mud from the area surrounding the recessed cleat.,

A Brief History of Shimano – Part 1

Posted September 4, 2009 by admin in Mtb, Road, Shimano | No comments yet

Today’s bicycle giant Shimano started life back in 1921 when Shozaburo Shimano founded Shimano Iron Works in Sakai City, an area known for its production of swords and gun barrels. Its first product was a single speed bicycle freewheel which was soon made in enough numbers to allow its export to China.

Shimano began production of other bicycle componentry in 1956 with production of a derailleurs shortly followed by an internal three speed hub whichbecame the default choice for the American market. With this success Shimano invested in cold forging to allow more products to be made with greater efficiencies.

After Shozaburo relinquished control of the business to his three sons Shimano made more brakes and other components although they never ventured into the complete bike market. Futher expansion led to Shimano building what was then  the largest bicycle parts plant ever in 1970 in Yamaguchi Prefecture and it was here, according to Design Week, that Shimano’s vision of modern bicycle parts began to be formed when they started recruiting engineers to create a unified look among component systems as well as elevating their performance.

Foreign expansion beckoned with a European office in Dusseldorf Germany, a manufacturing plant Singapore and a sales office in California in 1974 meaning  the company was well placed to benefit from the expanding bike market in the United States during the 1970s. During this period Shimano invested heavily in research and development that would benefit it for many years as well as branching out into precision fishing equipment.

Groupsets that many might remember today started to be released with AX racing grouppo launched in 1980 followed by its first off road dedicated groupset Deore XT, a name which still stands today. With the advent of indexed gears shimano’s fortunes increased further with sames exceeding 50 Billion Yen by the mid 80s.

Welcome To Retro Vintage Cycling

Posted August 25, 2009 by admin in Campagnolo, Fixie, Frames, Italian, Mtb, Road, Shimano, Suntour | No comments yet

Welcome to the world of Retro Vintage Cycling. Over the coming months and hopefully even years I'll be delving deep into the history of classic cycling equipment and manufacturers resurrecting memories from an earlier time when bikes and their components were made from metal rather than that plastic stuff they call carbon fibre and reliability was a given.

We'll be looking at classic early groupsets from Shimano such as the 600EX and Sante as well as their Suntour equivalents from the time. And no website on cycling would be complete without the leading marque of all - Campagnolo and their offerings such as Nuovo Record and the aesthitcally, if not quite functionally perfect Delta brakes.

Hopefully we will get around to looking at early off road offerings too with a trip down memory lane on the frames that made mountainbiking such as Kona Cinder Cones, Specialized Stumpjumbers and for our UK readers the classic Muddy Fox Courier.

We'll also take a look back at our first bikes such as PK Ripper BMXs, Raleigh Choppers and a whole host of Schwinns.

If you want to join in the fun please subscibe to our RSS feed or if you would like to share your memories then please get in touch.

All the Best

John