Isla Short's secret ingredient

ISLA SHORT'S SECRET INGREDIENT

Fresh off the back of the 2021 Tweed Valley Enduro World Series, Isla Short is bright-eyed, wide-smiled and ready to ride.

Whilst an epic day of racing in particularly Scottish conditions would ordinarily necessitate rest for a professional rider, for Isla, this was the rest! Because rest isn’t always physical, and as a cross-country racer, an off-season impetus of no-pressure fun can be just the tonic to the high-pressure environment of World Cup start lines and structured training.

Moreover, this is where Isla calls home, and exploring its secrets and showcasing its wonders is a deep-seated passion. “I spend so much time abroad”, she says, “but actually my favourite place in the World is Scotland.”

When Isla moved to the Tweed Valley, a whole world of MTB opportunity opened up on her doorstep. It has been part of the formula, the story, and quite literally the landscape of her entire racing career.

Scotland’s Tweed Valley has been home to an impressive number of World-class mountain bikers. It’s famous trail centres and miles of natural tracks are the perfect breeding ground for talent, with hefty hills and technical riding providing a perfect playground to develop fitness and skill.

Darting into dark forest and ploughing through puddles, it’s easy to see that Isla is at home here, and with the grin on her face it is also easy to see the pure love she has for riding a bike. Identifying as a cyclist, and not only a racer, has made her pathway happier and her career feel sustainable. When the process as well as the goals can bring such pleasure, the parameters of success become much greater.

The big goal is to win a World Cup, and Isla knows that enjoying the process is as important as the hard data when it comes to keeping that fire stoked.

“You can still get the best out of yourself even if you’re enjoying it’, Isla says, and her Tweed Valley EWS experience has cemented this.

Press play to hear Isla’s humble, quietly confident take on finding the balance she needs to succeed, and why home is the heart of her story.

Becoming one of the world’s fastest downhill MTB racers was a natural fit for Marine Cabirou as she grew up in the hills of Millau, France and spent her childhood chasing her older brother Rudy around on mountain bikes. Her inner daredevil, natural drive, and support from family and friends have all contributed to Marine’s success at the top level of the sport.

MADE IN: New England

For Kevin Wolfson, the beauty of designing a gravel bike is understanding how the mere term ‘gravel’ can mean totally different things to different riders.

Man welding metal in a workshop with protective gear and helmet

MADE IN: Milano

Expertise and passion for crafting made-to-measure bikes are at the heart of the Italian Passoni brand. Founded in the late 80's in the pre-carbon era by Luciano and Luca Passoni, it was the first company in Europe that produced titanium bikes when off-the-shelf tubing wasn't yet available. Every tube had to be made by starting from titanium sheets which were bended and welded into exceptional quality, bespoke bicycle frames. A passion for the sport and its culture has always been at the very heart of Passoni’s identity as they have spent the last 30 years building stunning machines for those with a true appreciation of fine craftsmanship. Passoni has always been a brand steeped in cycling history.

MADE IN: Sakai City

Inspired by his artist friends, Soukawa infuses new meaning into gravel cycling and celebrates how locally produced frames can be customized for the local needs.

Behind the Hero: Nina Hoffmann

Meet Nina Hoffmann, the Santa Cruz Syndicate’s Queen of Downhill, arguably one of the most extreme disciplines in mountain biking.

The Art of MTB: Utah

In the third episode of The Art of MTB, we follow photographer JB Liautard and MTB-pro Thomas Genon as they load their red pickup truck with Canyon MTBs and head for Utah’s vast expanse of winding gorges and plateaus.

This is Home: Kurt Sorge

Just downriver from Nelson, British Colombia, professional freerider Kurt Sorge has hand-crafted a compound that dreams are made of.

This is Home - Laurie Greenland

Growing up, Laurie Greenland could see Bristol’s St. George Skatepark from his bedroom window.

This is Home Henrique Avancini

For years, Henrique Avancini has left Brazil behind to travel to races across the world.

Seven Bikepacking Lifehacks

With countless Insta-posts of lonely plains, wild campsites, and thousands of miles on the road – you could be forgiven for seeing bikepacking as a difficult pursuit.

In Between the Races with Damien Oton

Shimano presents: In Between the Races, a portrait of the painstaking preparation and fierce focus leading up to—and during—the epic races of the MTB and e-MTB season.

Shimano’s Gravel Ergonomics

Learn why ergonomics matter when you ride gravel

Cool Bus

What could be a better mode of transportation for five young B.C. shredders embarking on classic southern B.C. roadtrip than an old skoolie dubbed the Cool Bus? With the legendary freeride TV shows from the 2000s serving as inspiration and Shimano’s new GRIPD gravity shoes on their feet, Jacob Murray, Natasha Miller, Lucy Van Eesteren, Mateo Quist and Ryder Bulfone climb aboard the Cool Bus and set out on a four-day, 1,000-kilometer pilgrimage into the past.

Yeti/Shimano EP Racing Team Triumphs in 2024

Two years of dedication and hard work pay off with eMTB racing squad’s strong start to the season

This is Home: Brage Vestavik

Brage Vestavik’s journey to the forefront of freeriding began at home, making features from construction materials scattered around his backyard. As the years passed, he took his budding passion into the nearby forests, mimicking the many films he’d watched over the years. The results are now legendary, earning Vestavik worldwide MTB filmmaking fame for his daring creativity, relentless work ethic, precision talent, and a raw and powerful riding style that’s uniquely his own. But even now, with a Red Bull contract and nearly 400,000 Instagram followers, his best days are spent back in those same woods, building, filming, and riding with friends. For Brage Vestavik, This is Home.

In Between the Races With Orbea Factory Team

Shimano presents: In Between the Races, a portrait of the painstaking preparation and fierce focus leading up to – and during – the UCI Mountain Bike World Series. In this episode, we join the Orbea Factory Team on their journey from Val di Sole to Talamona to Crans Montana in Switzerland!

Shimano GRX Di2 12-Speed

New 2x12 Di2 Addition to Shimano’s Legendary Gravel Group

Three cyclists riding on a mountain road during a cloudy day

SHIMANO 105: Mechanical Magic

If groupsets are like rockstars, and we think they are, the SHIMANO 105 Mechanical 12-speed could be Bruce Springsteen. Ever-professional performance, incomparable longevity, balancing roughneck beauty and that pure joy that comes from doing things in a classic way. Learn all there is to know about our only premium mechanical groupset.

Close-up of a Shimano Deore mountain bike handlebar grip and brake lever assembly.

WHICH IS THE RIGHT BRAKE FOR YOU?

choosing the equipment for your bike can seem like a never-ending task; a circle of questions and options and decisions. What do I need; what do I want; what can I afford?

A Guide to SHIMANO’s 12-Speed Freehubs and Compatibility

New innovations in Shimano freehub technology have delivered even more robust and reliable shift systems along with wider gear ranges for 12-speed road, mountain bike, and gravel groupsets. Each freehub system offers unique features and compatibility options that are suited for different riding styles and rider needs.

Shimano Di2 Deep Dive

Consistent. Customizable. Instantaneous. Intuitive. Precise. Reliable. Seamless. All these words accurately describe Shimano’s Di2 wireless electronic shifting experience.

Close-up of a blue bicycle frame with a bronze Shimano x Trek badge

A Humble Pursuit of Perfection

Trek Project One Ultimate: SHIMANO’s 100 Years of Excellence

Two cyclists riding on a winding dirt path through dry grasslands

Shimano FRONT SHIFT NEXT

Cycling doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be simple, straightforward, and all about the freedom of two-wheeled adventures. And while it may feel like cycling sometimes requires a deep wealth of technical know-how, the best components and bike technology require minimal thought. They work as intended, all the time.

Close-up of a bicycle's drivetrain and chainring covered in mud and dirt.

Race-Specific Firmware Update for SHIMANO EP801 Systems

The Women of Red Bull Rampage

The first ever women’s competition at Red Bull Rampage includes heavy hitters Vaea Verbeeck, Vinny Armstrong, and Robin Goomes, who are eager to make their mark in Virgin, UT this October

Road to Paris: Paved With Gold

This year, all trails led to Paris. Every UCI World Series event, training camp, and every second of every day brought elite athletes from around the world closer to the small Parisian suburb of Élancourt, where history was to be made. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Tom Pidcock, friends from the school of INEOS Grenadiers, reigned supreme. With Jenny Rissveds and Alan Hatherly making the podium.

UNSUNG

Unsung follows three of the unheralded heroes who make events like Unbound so special. Linda Guerrette, Michelle Duffy, and Wayne Smith all contribute in their own way to the gravel community. Whether in their role as a photographer, an event organizer, or rider support/mechanic, they all infuse their passion and incredible energy into the greater gravel collective. In doing so, they ensure the bright future of the sport.

Shimano Extends Collaboration With A.S.O. Until 2028

In a move that underscores their commitment to cycling, Shimano and Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) have announced the extension of their successful partnership for an additional four years, now running until the end of 2028.In a move that underscores their commitment to cycling, Shimano and Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) have announced the extension of their successful partnership for an additional four years, now running until the end of 2028.

Shimano Trail Born

Over the next 10 years, Shimano will donate $10 million to “boots on the ground” trail projects and trail advocacy organizations. Then we’ll work closely with these partners to ensure truly meaningful and sustainable gains both on a local and global scale. No greenwashing here. Just good old fashioned hard work with dedicated and passionate people.

Food I Think About When I Think About Cycling

Place. For Chris Cosentino, celebrated chef and avid cyclist, there are several ways to connect with the Bay Area of California, the place he calls home. At local markets and in the kitchen, Chris explores ways to deepen his relationship with the area’s produce, both vegetable and animal. Likewise, while cycling on some of the world’s finest roads, gravel tracks and mountain bike trails, Chris experiences firsthand the climate that produces these amazing culinary possibilities. Integrating these is the essence of Chris self-expression and exactly what is captured in “Food I Think I About When I Think About Cycling.”

Update of SHIMANO CONNECT Lab Improvement & new functions

SHIMANO CONNECT Lab, a riding data collection and analysis service by SHIMANO, is getting a major update with a more user-friendly interface and new features.

Information for the counterfeit products of our disc brake pad

Please beware of counterfeit Shimano brake pad sets. To our regret, recently counterfeit Shimano products have been illegally sold at local retailers, online flea markets and other online marketplaces.

Strengthened tampering detection features

SHIMANO endeavors to ensure that SHIMANO products are used safely by requesting manufacturers of bikes that include a SHIMANO drive unit to comply with national and regional standards that guarantee a certain level of quality.

Voluntary Recall: 11-Speed Bonded HOLLOWTECH II Road Cranksets Inspection and Replacement Campaign

With our dedication to safety and quality in mind, Shimano is issuing a voluntary recall of some bonded 11-speed HOLLOWTECH II road cranksets produced before July 2019 for a possible bonding separation issue.

Road to Paris: Paved With Gold

This year, the Tour de France may have ended in Nice. But for the hard-working athletes involved, the road led straight to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. With a backdrop worthy of a classic film, where champions speed from Montmartre, past the Arc de Triomphe, onwards to the history books. With the Time Trial starting just north of the tower, in Invalides.

Tour de France 2024 the Beauty, the Battle, the Bikes

Shimano-supported riders Biniam Girmay and Remco Evenepoel won the Green and White jersey, respectively, at the Tour de France 2024. The competition was fierce, and the road was long and perilous. It takes a profound athlete to brave the mammoth challenge of the Tour de France. And it takes a special… je ne sais quoi… to come out on top with a jersey.

GRAVITY FOOTWEAR

Bleeding edge technology, progressive styling, and total on-bike control let you push your riding to the next level and beyond.

SHOE FITTING & CLEAT SETTING

The optimal shoe size is found by measuring the arch length, foot length and width. This sizing information can then be cross-checked with the shoe size table, to find the shoe size and width that best matches the rider.

EXPLORER SHOES

Tour more comfortably with our new EXPLORER SERIES of SPD shoes with reliable grip, soft walking cushioning and comfortable pedaling at cruising speeds. We have specialized models for both city and mountain touring so you can wander the world your way.

TOOL‐AND-ACCESSORIES

Various Fitting Tools and Accessories

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

We constantly search for new ways to promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us. Product packaging is a huge opportunity to reduce waste and deliver our products more sustainably. That is why we decided to transition to more sustainable packaging solutions for our components and service, and upgrade parts, footwear, apparel, and most eyewear packaging.

SHIMANO AGAINST THE TAMPERING WITH E-BIKES

Shimano speaks out against any kind of manipulation of e-bikes and e-bike drive systems, e.g., to increase the performance or the maximum supported speed.

BATTERY

Our total system engineering approach means that the SHIMANO ecosystem is not only offering perfect harmony with SHIMANO components but extends to products of connected partners. We have a licensing development program on a contract basis which allows compatible battery manufacturers, wireless device manufactures and even bike brands to utilize Shimano proprietary communication profile to develop products compatible with Shimano products. This can create a more open and integrated product portfolio for both bike brands and end-user.

SHIMANO PEDALING DYNAMICS

SHIMANO PEDALING DYNAMICS is an integrated shoe and pedal system that provides the pedaling performance of cleated cycling shoes along with the ability to walk safely and comfortably off the bike.

Important notice for E-BIKE battery BT-E8016 users

It has been confirmed that there are cases where the bicycle cannot be started after the BT-E8016 battery has been fully charged. If this occurs, plug the charger into the battery, confirm the LED lights up, then remove the charging plug. This enables the bicycle to be started.

GRAVEL SHOE GUIDE

We specially design our off-road shoe lines for all types of gravel riders who love wild adventures away from the asphalt. Each series provides the performance, protection, and confidence voyagers like you need to explore your passion. No matter how deep you like to wander off the paved path, there is a SHIMANO gravel shoe for you.

STAY CONNECTED

THIS WEBSITE USES COOKIES TO IMPROVE YOUR USER EXPERIENCE.
Click "I agree" or any link to accept these cookies. To learn more about how we use cookies, read our privacy policy.

SELECT LOCATION AND LANGUAGE

GLOBAL

ENGLISH

AMERICAS

ENGLISH

FRANÇAIS

PORTUGUÊS

ESPAÑOL

EUROPE

FRANÇAIS

NEDERLANDS

NEDERLANDS

DEUTSCH

FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO

DEUTSCH

FRANÇAIS

DEUTSCH

ITALIANO

ESPAÑOL

PORTUGUÊS

POLSKI

ENGLISH

SVENSKA

DANSK

NORSK

SUOMI

ASIA

日本語

简体中文

繁體中文

한글

ENGLISH

OCEANIA

ENGLISH

ENGLISH

GROUPSET

COMPONENTS

SERVICE & UPGRADE PARTS

APPS

FEATURED TECHNOLOGIES

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGIES

USEFUL LINKS

STORIES

GROUPSET

E-BIKE SYSTEMS

COMPONENTS

SERVICE & UPGRADE PARTS

APPS

FEATURED TECHNOLOGIES

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGIES

USEFUL LINKS

STORIES

GROUPSET

COMPONENTS

SERVICE & UPGRADE PARTS

APPS

FEATURED TECHNOLOGIES

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGIES

USEFUL LINKS

STORIES

GROUPSET ACTIVE

GROUPSET COMFORT

E-BIKE SYSTEMS

COMPONENTS

SERVICE & UPGRADE PARTS

APPS

FEATURED TECHNOLOGIES

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGIES

USEFUL LINKS

STORIES

E-BIKE SYSTEMS

COMPONENTS

SERVICE & UPGRADE PARTS

APPS

FEATURED TECHNOLOGIES

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGIES

USEFUL LINKS

STORIES

FOOTWEAR