Shimano – Revolution from a Small Workshop in Japan

Shimano – Bicycle Components from Japan

Shimano was founded in 1921 by Shozaburo Shimano in Sakai, Japan, as a small workshop called Shimano Iron Works. The company name is the founder's family name. Shozaburo Shimano aimed to produce high-quality bicycle components. The company grew steadily throughout the 20th century and brought numerous innovations to market. These include early hub gears, road bike components and the SPD system (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) introduced in 1990, which revolutionised the connection between shoe and pedal. Thanks to decades of experience Shimano focuses on reliable function, precise power transmission and high durability.

The very first product was a freewheel hub, which was particularly difficult to manufacture at the time. Gradually hub gears, cranksets, derailleurs and brakes were added. The breakthrough came with the SPD clipless pedal system, which enabled cyclists to transfer power more efficiently. Later the SPD-SL road pedal system followed, along with complete groupsets such as 105, Deore XT and Dura-Ace. Today the range includes shifting components, hydraulic brakes, pedals, wheels, cycling shoes and apparel for all cycling disciplines.

Shimano products are sold in bicycle shops, online stores and sports chains in nearly every country in the world. The number of sales outlets exceeds ten thousand dealers worldwide. The company operates branches in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. The headquarters and production facilities remain in Japan.

Among the pedals listed on the page a choice can be made between two different binding systems: SPD for mountain biking, gravel and trekking, and SPD-SL for road cycling. The models differ in pedal body material, platform width, weight and release tension. From affordable entry-level models to carbon road pedals with maximum stiffness, every price and performance level is covered.

• Shimano Pedal Deore XT PDT8000 SPD – a robust trekking pedal from the Deore XT range with one SPD clipless side and one non-slip platform side with replaceable pins. It is the only model in this listing with a hybrid design that can be used with both cleated shoes and regular footwear. The sealed compact bearing unit requires little maintenance, while the pedal weighs 410 grams per pair, slightly more than pure clipless models.
• Shimano Pedale PD-R550L SPD-SL – a mid-range road pedal with a body made from robust composite material and an extra-wide platform for efficient power transfer. Unlike the carbon model PD-R7000 it does without a carbon composite shell but is still light at 310 grams. The spring tension is adjustable and the entry area is designed to be larger.
• Shimano Pedale PD-R7000 105 Carbon – a road pedal from the 105 groupset with a carbon composite body for maximum stiffness and a low weight of 320 grams. Together with the PD-R550L it uses the SPD-SL system and a stainless steel plate, but differs through its higher-grade carbon housing and its positioning within the 105 groupset.
• Shimano Pedale PDM520 SPD black – a compact clipless pedal with SPD binding for gravel, MTB and everyday use. At 54.95 euros it is the most affordable model in the range and is suitable for beginners. The open binding ensures good mud and dirt shedding, while the CrMo axle is durable. Unlike the SPD-SL models it can be engaged on both sides and is designed for offroad use.
• Shimano Pedale PD-RS500 SPD-SL – an entry-level road pedal with the SPD-SL system and a Light-Action technology that makes engagement and release particularly easy. The wide platform is comparable to that of the top models, but the spring tension is lower and tuned for beginners. At 320 grams the weight matches the carbon model PD-R7000, although the pedal body is made of composite material rather than carbon.