Shimano is 100 years old: Gallery

Shimano has truly become a part of the fabric of modern road cycling, and is arguably one of the largest and most successful cycling companies to have ever existed.

This year marks the centennial of the brand, founded by Shozaburo Shimano in 1921, with a fledgling freewheel design – the 3.3.3.

We expect to see plenty more from Shimano over the next year to celebrate the milestone, but for now the brand has shared some images from a commemorative photobook being released this year. The book will only be available through a lottery draw.

For now, enjoy some of these images which give a sneak peek at the contents, and a small taste of Shimano's rich 100 year history of innovation.

Related – The best carbon wheels: The Desire Selection

Shozaburo Shimano

Shimano Factory, 1936

Shimano's aerodynamic Dura-Ace AX groupset was just one part of the brand's rich history of innovation

Innovation Centre

Dura-Ace

The Dura-Ace groupset is synonymous with Shimano. Here's a look at Dura-Ace through the years, Shimano's top-tier groupset.

Dura-Ace, 1973

Dura-Ace, 1980

Dura-Ace, 2004

Shimano Dura-Ace FC 7900, 2008 

Dura-Ace 9000, 2016

Ultegra

Ultegra 6500

Ultegra 6600

Ultegra 6700 

Shimano in Action

“Walter Godefroot is the only one of my adversaries who I never beat in a direct fight for victory” - Eddy Merckx

Flandria-Carpenter-Shimano rocking their Dura-Ace - and their casquettes

Paris-Roubaix, 1994

Tour de France, 2019

You can find out more about the anniversary at Shimano's dedicated 100th anniversary website.