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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Sovos BMX High Flange Rear Hub 14mm Axle 48 hole Black NEW    US $19.99

NJS Shimano Dura Ace 36 High Flange Track Keirin Front HubHB 7600    US $80.00

Ukai 26x175 Made in Japan Gold Anodized Front Wheel Sun Tour High Flange Hub    US $50.00

Phil Wood High Flange Rear Track Hub 32h Chrome    US $185.50

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

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

Phil Wood High Flange Rear Track Hub 32h Fixed free    US $208.50

SUZUE HUBS High Flange 36 Hole Old School    US $5.05

NOS VINTAGE CP SUZUE SB 48H HIGH FLANGE CHROME HUBS JAPAN OLD SKOOL BMX FREESTYL    US $202.50

Oldschool BMX Araya 7X 20 Inch Wheelset w Black Anodized High Flange Hubs    US $60.00

Normandy Luxe Competition Hubs Red 36h Classic Road High Flange British Thread    US $12.50

EXCELTOO SUPER COMPETITION HUB VINTAGE BIKE HIGH LARGE FLANGE OLD BICYCLE    US $39.00

EXCELTOO HUB VINTAGE BIKE HIGH LARGE FLANGE CIRCA 1940 1950 OLD BICYCLE    US $39.00

Vintage Campagnolo Gran Sport nuovo tipo high flange hubs NOS NIB    US $100.00

Gold Anodized 32h High Flange Front Phil Wood Hub    US $180.00

Vintage Sansin Tandem Hub Set 40 Hole Polished NOS Drum bike bicycle high flange    US $249.00

Rare NOS Campagnolo C Record era high flange 36h front hub    US $185.00

Campagnolo Record high flange road hubs    US $150.00

Phil Wood High Flange Track Front Hub 32h Chrome    US $164.00

LOT OF CAMPAGNOLO RECORD PARTS HIGH FLANGE HUBS FRONT AND BACK DERAILLEUR    US $2.99

Vintage Normandy High Flange Front Hub Alloy 36 Spoke Used    US $34.99

Phil Wood High flange Front Hub 32H New 100 spacing polished    US $120.00

Phil Wood high flange 36 36h front hub TIE fighter madness    US $5.55

Vintage Model 71 Front High Flange Hub Alloy Used    US $22.99

ACS BMX BICYCLE HUB OLD SCHOOL HIGH FLANGE STAMPED 1984    US $34.00

Campagnolo Record High Large Flange Hubs Hubset Mavic G 40 Rims Wheelset c 1966    US $219.99

Planet Earth Quando BMX Front Hub High Flange 48 hole 3 8 axle Black    US $3.99

Cannondale Omega Disc 6 Bolt 24h Front Hub High Flange B6 New    US $16.99

Vintage lambert High Flange Alloy Hub Set Front Rear 36 Spoke F    US $39.00

Maillard high flanged hub set French threaded 28front 32rear OLD 120 used    US $95.00

High Flange Hubs Gnutti    US $10.00

Vintage Campagnolo Gran Sport Tipo High Flange Hubs Weinmann 700C Wheel Set 36 H    US $169.99

Black Phil Wood High Flange Hubs Mavic Open Pro rims Track bike wheels Wheelset    US $399.00

Black Phil Wood High Flange Hubs Mavic Open Pro Track bike Wheels Wheelset 3x    US $379.00

Black Phil Wood High Flange Hubs Mavic Open Pro rims Fixed Gear Wheels Wheelset    US $399.00

Black Phil Wood High Flange Hubs Mavic Open Pro Fixed Gear Singlespeed Wheels 3x    US $379.00

70s EXCELTOO SUPER COMPETITION front hub 36H high flange used NICE RARE    US $60.00

OLD SCHOOL NOS BLUE FRONT 36 HOLE HIGH FLANGE SANSIN HUB BMX BIKE    US $14.99

Vintage Pelissier High Flange Alloy Front Hub 36 Spoke France Used    US $19.99

CAMPAGNOLO HIGH FLANGE FRONT AND REAR HUB SET VINTAGE CAMPY    US $3.99

CAMPAGNOLO SUPER RECORD REAR HUB 28H NOS NEW HIGH FLANGE VINTAGE VERY RARE    US $199.00

Vintage Campagnolo Record High Flange Hubs Freewheel Front and Rear 36H     US $79.99

SUZUE Front Sealed Bearing High Flange Road Track Fixed Bike Hub 48 HOLE NEW BIN    US $29.00

OLD SCHOOL SUZUE SEALED HIGH FLANGE 36h BACK HUB WITH SUNTOUR FREEWHEEL    US $21.99

Rare NOS Campagnolo high flange Tandem 40h front hub with machine bearings    US $185.00

Blue Anodized Front Hub NEW 48h High Flange 3 8    US $2.50

VELOCITY TRACK SINGLE SPEED HUB SET 32H HIGH FLANGE    US $80.00

Sunshine Road Bike Front Hub Gold Anodized NOS 36h cruiser high flange    US $49.00

Vintage Normandy High Flange Front Hub Alloy 36 Spokes 97 mm Simplex Used    US $31.99

Bike Hub Bearing Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX Front Sealed    US $9.95

Phil Wood High Flange Track hub Front 32h Chro    US $170.99

Phil Wood High Flange Rear Track hub 32h Fixed free    US $204.99

VINTAGE NORMANDY HIGH FLANGE front Hub 36h R 24 79 quick release USED    US $23.99

VINTAGE SHIMANO HIGH FLANGE front Hub 36h 94MM quick release USED    US $9.99

VINTAGE PELISSIER HIGH FLANGE front Hub 36h 98MM quick release USED    US $25.19

CAMPAGNOLO Record PistaTrack High Flange Hubs 40H NOSNIBNEW rare for Tandem    US $499.00

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

Paul High Flange 32hFront hub Black    US $94.99

pelissier front high flanged hub 36 used    US $34.99

SUNSHINE HUB NUTTED 3 8 INCH AXLE HIGH FLANGE    US $7.59

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

Paul High Flange 32h Front Cycling Hub Black    US $117.93

Campagnolo high flange Record Pista track rear hub with gear vintage    US $229.99

Campagnolo high flange Record front hub with quick release vintage    US $129.99

Campagnolo high flange Record front and rear hub with quick releases    US $249.99

EXCELTOO super competition front high flanged hub used    US $65.00

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

700c FX FW Rear Wheel Weinmann DP18 rim NMSW 36h High Flange Hub DT spokes 3d    US $69.99

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

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

80s Old School SUZUE BMX Hubs HIGH FLANGE GREEN 36h Bullseye Phil Sunshine    US $79.99

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

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 Bearing Ceramic Sunrace HIGH Flange BMX Front    US $17.77

Bike Hub Full Ceramic Bearing Sunrace HIGH Flange BMX    US $64.95

New Quando Black 48 Hole High Flange BMX Hub and 10t freewheel 14mm Axle    US $22.00

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 Ceramic Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX ZrO2    US $17.77

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

Full Ceramic Bike Bearing Suzue MHS HIGH Flange BMX Hub    US $89.95

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

Bike Bearing Ceramic Premium ABEC 5 Sunrace HIGH Flange BMX Hub    US $35.00

1980 Schwinn Continental 10spd Road Bike Female High Flange Hubs Chrome Vintage    US $150.00

Phil Wood front track hub 32h WHITE high flange new    US $199.00

Phil Wood front track hub 32h high flange PINK new    US $189.00

Phil Wood front track hub 32h SLR high flange PINK new    US $199.00

ACS high flange REAR hub    US $45.00

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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Shimano Dura Ace SPD SL Road Pedals PD 7800 Gray    US $80.00

Shimano Dura Ace ST 7700 9 spd Shifters Used    US $86.00

Shimano SM PD22 SMPD22 SPD Clip on Platform Adapter with Reflectors One Missing    US $6.01

SHIMANO PD M520 MTB BIKE SPD PEDALS SILVER With Cleats    US $33.00

SHIMANO ULTEGRA SL 10 SPD CHAINRING 39 B TYPE DARK GREY FC 6601 G BRAND NEW    US $49.11

Shimano SM SH51 SPD Cleats RRP £20    US $7.90

Shimano R 540 SPD Clipless Pedals w Cleats NEW Black    US $59.99

SHIMANO PD M540 MOUNTAIN BIKE CLIPLESS PEDALS MTB SPD    US $37.47

Shimano SH MT33L Clipless SPD Mountain Bike Shoe New in Box    US $89.95

SHIMANO SPD BIKING SHOES SZ EU 48 US 15    US $14.99

Shimano SPD PD M959 XTR Mountain Bike Clipless Pedals    US $40.00

Shimano SH MT23 Clipless SPD Bike Multi Use Touring Shoe w Walkability New    US $79.95

SHIMANO ULTEGRA 10 SPD CHAINRING 39 B TYPE ICE GREY FC 6600 BRAND NEW    US $49.11

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes XC60 SPD shoes white black red size 47    US $197.51

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes XC60 SPD shoes white black red size 44    US $197.51

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes XC60 SPD shoes white black red size 43    US $197.51

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes XC60 SPD shoes white black red size 42    US $197.51

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes XC50N SPD shoes white black size 41    US $134.34

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes XC50 SPD shoes white black size 45    US $134.34

Shimano Road Race Shoes WR61 SPD SL shoes white blue size 36    US $134.34

Shimano Road Race Shoes WR61 SPD SL shoes white blue size 37    US $134.34

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes WM62 SPD womens shoes white black size 36    US $105.89

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes WM51 SPD womens shoes black size 42    US $85.20

Shimano Trail Leisure Shoe WM43 SPD womens shoes brown size 44    US $86.92

Shimano Road Race Shoes RW80 SPD SL shoes size 41    US $205.48

Shimano Road Race Shoes RW80 SPD SL shoes size 40    US $205.48

Shimano Race Shoes R315 SPD SL shoes white black red size 46 wide    US $490.00

Shimano Road Competition Shoes R241 SPD SL shoes black silver size 39    US $410.97

Shimano Road Competition Shoes R241 SPD SL shoes black silver size 45    US $410.97

Shimano Road Competition Shoes R241 SPD SL shoes black blue size 42    US $410.97

Shimano Road Competition Shoes R240 SPD SL shoes white silver red size 46    US $347.74

Shimano Road Competition Shoes R191 SPD SL shoes white silver size 44    US $197.43

Shimano Road Competition Shoes R191 SPD SL shoes white silver size 42    US $197.43

Shimano Road Race Shoes R077 SPD SL shoes silver size 50    US $82.97

Shimano Road Race Shoes R077 SPD SL shoes silver size 38    US $82.97

Shimano Road Competition Shoes R064 SPD SL shoes black size 43    US $72.70

Shimano Road Competition Shoes R064 SPD SL shoes black size 45    US $72.70

Shimano Trail Leisure Shoe MT71 SPD shoes brown size 42    US $148.51

Shimano Trail Leisure Shoe MT53 SPD shoes black size 40    US $110.63

Shimano Leisure Shoes MT33 SPD shoes black size 44    US $79.02

Shimano Leisure Shoes MT33 SPD shoes black size 38    US $79.02

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M315 SPD shoes white black red size 43 wide    US $474.19

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M315 SPD shoes white black red size 42 wide    US $474.19

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M240 SPD shoes white red size 44    US $324.03

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M240 SPD shoes white red size 46    US $324.03

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M162 SPD shoes white black size 47    US $126.44

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M240 SPD shoes white red size 41    US $324.03

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M162 SPD shoes white black size 40    US $126.44

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M087L SPD shoes black size 48 wide    US $104.29

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M064 SPD shoes black size 46    US $72.70

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M064 SPD shoes black size 45    US $72.70

Shimano MTB Race Comp Shoes M064 SPD shoes black size 42    US $72.70

Shimano Leisure Shoes FN23 SPD shoes white black size 44    US $110.63

Shimano Leisure Shoes FN23 SPD shoes white black size 36    US $110.63

Womens Youth Shimano SPD Cycling Shoes Size 36    US $25.00

Shimano Mens Womens Mountain Biking MTB Bike Cycling Shoes SPD SH MO36 41    US $19.99

SHIMANO SPD SL Self Aligning Pedal Cleats Fit Dura Ace Ultegra SM SH11 FLOATING    US $16.99

Shimano Ultegra SPD A600 Pedals    US $85.00

High Quality Shimano SPD Womens Bicycle Shoes Size 39    US $14.95

Giant T Mobile Carbon Shimano Dura Ace 10 spd Bontrager Carbon size Med bicycle    US $2,650.00

SHIMANO SPD CLIPLESS MOUNTAIN BIKE PEDALS M 515 EXCELLENT USED CONDITION    US $12.50

SHIMANO Road Cycling Shoes SPD SL SH R076L BLACK SILVER EU 43 US 89 $120    US $15.50

Shimano PD A530 SPD Pedals Mountain Bike Road Hybrid Cleats Silver    US $46.00

2012 Brand new Shimano XT SPD PedalS PD M780 MTB complete with cleats    US $62.39

2012 Shimano Deore XT SPD Clipless Pedals PD M785 Trail New    US $62.00

Shimano SPD SL Cleats Pedal SM SH11 New    US $9.90

Shimano Cleats SM SH51 SPD New    US $9.00

Vintage Shimano Deore XT SL M730 SIS Front Rear Thumb Shifters 6 spd MTB ATB    US $15.00

New Shimano PD A520 SPD clipless Pedals one sided A 520    US $51.50

2011 Shimano Dura Ace PD7900 SPD SL NEW CARBON Pedals    US $259.99

Shimano SPD Gray Blue Leather Cycling Shoes 40 7    US $9.95

Shimano SM SH56 SPD Cleat Set    US $21.99

Shimano SPD SL Road Cleats REPLACEMENT    US $12.50

Shimano Pedals PD 5700 SPD SL pedal 105 w Cleats BLACK    US $83.00

SHIMANO ULTEGRA 6700 C CARBON SPD SL ROAD PEDALS    US $102.50

SHIMANO SPD SL ROAD BIKE PEDAL PD R540 BLACK NIB    US $25.00

Shimano SPD Road Bike Pedals PD M525 New    US $45.00

Shimano SM SH51 Cleats SPD Pedal Spin Class On Off Road    US $19.95

Shimano SH MT51 Cycling Shoes 42 8 SPD BRAND NEW    US $70.00

Shimano RT32 SPD Road Bike Shoes Ideal Commuter Tourer BLACK EU 44    US $107.87

Shimano MT52 MTB SPD Cycling Shoes Mens size 47 or mens 12    US $19.99

Shimano MT71 Gore Tex SPD MTB Vibram Cycle Shoes Brown Size EU 46    US $185.73

Shimano M123L SPD MTB Cycle Shoes Black Size EU 44    US $138.31

"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