DOWNHILL LEGEND GREG MINNAAR’S BRAKING SECRETS

How the Greatest Downhiller of All Time Keeps His Brakes Consistent on Every Run

When searching for milliseconds on the World Cup DH track, consistency is key for edging out the competition. Reliable braking is a vital part of any rider’s downhill run and can mean the difference between the top spot on the podium and a nasty crash on the way down. SHIMANO’s ICE TECHNOLOGIES are a system of brake technologies that are designed to help dissipate brake heat and provide the most consistent and reliable braking power available.

As the greatest World Cup racer of all time, multi-time, and current UCI Downhill World Champion, Greg Minnaar emphasizes, “brakes are my best friend, precise braking helps me carry speed, letting me ride faster.”

Since brakes turn the kinetic energy of a rider into heat, managing that heat is the most important part of high-end brake engineering. SHIMANO’s ICE TECH levers, calipers, rotors, and brake pads all play a huge role in braking consistency.

“You can lose seconds in a race run when your brakes fade, you need confidence to attack the track and you can’t have confidence in a brake that fades,” Minnaar explains.

The accumulation of heat begins with the friction points of the brake system and SHIMANO has developed unique features ICE TECH brake pads and rotors to help prevent heat buildup. ICE TECH brake pads have added cooling fins which draw heat away from the caliper. A cool brake pad is a consistent brake pad and gives any rider the confidence that the brakes will not glaze over and lose power.

The other friction point in the system is the brake rotor and SHIMANO’s ICE TECH rotors have a proprietary 3-layer design. The steel outer surfaces provide durability and stopping power, but what’s special is inside. Mated between the steel surfaces is an aluminum layer, which further aids in heat dissipation. Taking things a step further, the XTR and XT-level rotors feature FREEZA technology, which extends the surface area of the aluminum further out to provide more cooling. For the ultimate in cooling performance, XTR rotors also feature an extra layer of heat-dissipating black paint to keep things extra cool. It isn’t overkill, it is just what’s needed to meet the highest demands in the world.

The FREEZA rotors are amazing, reduced heat allows the brake to be more consistent, letting us reduce the rotor size for more clearance,” Minnaar says.

The friction points are just the start of heat management in the ICE TECHNOLOGIES system. Starting at the pads and rotors, heat is then transferred to the calipers, hoses, and oil. ICE TECH brake calipers house ceramic pistons, which help to stop the transfer of heat into the hydraulic oil system, keeping temperatures at bay. Even the hoses have specially designed fittings on the caliper that dissipate heat and minimize transfer into the rest of the brake line from a heated caliper.

At the core of the system is SHIMANO’s proprietary mineral oil, which has a higher boiling point than DOT brake fluids, but also provides additional benefits beyond cooling. Two other features of mineral oil are that it is hydrophobic, meaning it won’t absorb water while sitting out, and it is much less toxic than DOT, making it much safer to handle and dispose of.

Cooler brakes not only provide more consistent and confident braking power, but better heat management also keeps the brake system running longer. At more consistent temperatures, brake pads last longer and rotors that stay cooler and are less prone to warping or bending. With the high-temp boiling point of SHIMANO’s mineral oil, ICE TECH brake systems are not only less prone to brake fade, but also leaves more time for big descents and less time bleeding brakes. Safer rides and less maintenance means more time for fearless descents.

All of this technology is great in theory, but it means nothing without translating to better performance and durability in the real world. Whether it’s the descent of a lifetime, cut into the high alpine hillsides of the Alps, or a world championship winning downhill run, SHIMANO’s ICE TECHNOLOGIES are designed to provide long-lasting confidence to trust your brakes in any situation.

Never lose power, and never fade.

Commute by bike and you’ll beat the traffic and get where you need to go on time – while creating some space for exercise and fun. What bike you choose, what you wear and what you carry with you is influenced by the distance and how efficiently you want to ride. We’ve picked out a few tips to make the best choices for your commute.

Three cyclists riding on a gravel road through a rural landscape with fields and trees.

United in Gravel

United in Gravel is our call to everyone, from any level, to go out and enjoy life in the saddle. It’s about tackling that hill, bounding down the dirt roads and farm tracks, trails, and tarmac – or cruising the city streets and urban jungle in the best possible way. The joy of riding together in places beyond words. Just watch the video to see the beauty of riding beyond the beaten track.

Person cycling on a bridge over a river near a construction site during sunset

How to Upgrade Your Cycling Experience

Make your daily cycling more enjoyable. From new clothes to brighter bike lights, a waterproof jacket or puncture-proof tyres there are plenty of ways to upgrade and improve your cycling this winter.

Black mountain bike against a plain white background

How to Simplify Your Life and Make Bikes Part of Your Everyday

A new e-bike is an investment, and although it can be expensive, it is a purchase that you will enjoy using every day. Here’s five reasons having a bike can simplify your life.

Illustration of a person riding a bicycle in front of a Shimano store

How to look after your e-bike at home and in the bike shop

Looking after your e-bike is really important for both your safety and your enjoyment of cycling. With some simple checks to do at home and the support of trained and certified mechanics at a Shimano Service Center you can easily keep your bike in perfect working order!

Close-up of a bicycle handlebar with a digital display showing speed and distance

How to Use Your E-Bike Modes to Improve Your Fitness

How can you balance getting help from your e-bike with putting in enough effort to feel like you have benefitted your health?

How to choose the right e-bike for you

Buying the right e-bike for your cycling needs is the first step to being a happy e-bike rider. Looking for an urban e-bike for city use? Bewildered by the options? Let us guide you through your choices.

SHIMANO Expands GRX Family with RX717 Components

Featuring More Affordable 1 x 12-Speed GRX Di2 Options

Building the Future of Mountain Biking

Shimano Trail Born is a global trail-building initiative that supports advocacy groups, bike parks, and communities in creating more places to ride. Explore highlights from 2024–2025 projects across North America, Europe, the UK, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

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

Wyn Masters Goes to Grinduro!

Watch WynTV step outside his comfort zone and into some flashy lycra!

What to ask your dealer before buying an e-bike

Buying a new e-bike is an exciting experience.

What Tire Pressure is Right for You?

The open road is calling your name.

Similarities and Differences Between EP801 and EP6

In 2022, we launched the EP801, the successor to our popular EP800 e-bike system. The new drive unit provides more support, offers more connectivity options, is compatible with our new battery management system and enables the revolutionary AUTO SHIFTand FREE SHIFT technologies.

The race for the Maillot Rojo

Cycling’s third grand tour is underway.

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.

Mountain bike racer riding over rocks in front of cheering crowd

The Easy-to-Understand Guide to Brakes

Brakes are absolutely essential parts of our mountain bikes, but they’re often absolutely bewildering. How can something with such a simple function of stopping our bikes be so complex?

Shimano’s Gravel Ergonomics

For much of the past decade, gravel riders have obsessed over the usual suspects: pic king the right tires, dialing in tire pressure, and selecting high-performance wheels and their perfect frame geometry.

Close-up of a spinning bicycle wheel and derailleur in motion

SHIMANO SHADOW RD+

As you set out on your next riding adventure – whether hitting singletrack trails on your mountain bike or crushing your local gravel loop – take a minute to appreciate your bike’s quiet and intuitive shifting over this rough and rowdy terrain.

Person riding a bicycle on a circular brick path

SHIMANO E5100: Light, Quiet and Compact

Introducing our new drive unit, E5100, the quiet heart of your e-bike system

SHIMANO CUES for Drop Bar

Introducing CUES for Recreational Road and Gravel Riding

SHIMANO 105: All you need to know

It is our only premium groupset with a mechanical and electronic shifting option.

Mountain biker riding on a trail with lush green hills in the background

Taste of Colombia With Scotty Laughland

Colombia has always been on Scotty Laughland’s list. Then, one morning, while pulling a shot of espresso, he found himself curious as to where the very coffee he was about to drink came from, the process of creating it and the mountain bike scene there. And as with all of life’s mysteries, there’s only one way to discover more. We hope you enjoy ‘Taste of Colombia’, a story about bikes and coffee.

Race-Specific Firmware Update for SHIMANO EP801 Systems

Key features developed by Shimano Enduro World Cup Race Teams Get ready to ride and race like the pros. The most recent firmware update for Shimano’s race-winning EP801 drive unit delivers exciting new features and more customization options to help you boost your race speeds and keep the momentum rolling longer through techy terrain.

Two cyclists with UCI jerseys pose with gold medals in front of sponsor backdrops.

Pieterse and Hatherly Win Worlds!

All eyes were fixed on the principality of Andorra during this week’s UCI MTB World Championships. The Olympics was still fresh in our minds, which added weight to each matchup. Would Alan Hatherly bring home the gold for his native Rainbow Nation? Would Puck Pieterse prevail? The answer: Yes. And how.

Mighty Mathieu wins Gravel Worlds!

It was a rare autumn Sunday in Leuven, Belgium. The sun was out. The vibe was right. And the UCI Gravel World Championships did not disappoint. After an impressive win on Saturday by Marianne Vos, the Men Elites followed with a complete Shimano-equipped podium. Let’s check out the action!

How to ride high altitude gravel

If there’s one thing that’s hard to avoid when cycling Colombia, it’s high altitude.

How to prepare your bike for a Gran Fondo | Shimano

In the excitement of getting ready for a big Gran Fondo or sportive a surprising number of riders overlook their bike.

How to Prepare for a New Season of Gravel

New season, new you. Shimano Gravel Alliance rider Florian Nowak gives his guide to preparing for a new season of gravel.

How to pick your first gravel bike

Shimano Gravel Alliance rider Sofiane Sehili dives into the complexities of your first gravel bike, unpacking ways to perfect your ultimate gravel bike build to support developing skills, larger distances, and greater challenges.

From Roads to Trails with Tom Dumoulin

Just across the Dutch border in the Belgian town of Maasmechelen, mountain biker Jens Schuermans is waiting for Tom Dumoulin.

Eyewear instruction manual

How to change lens How to adjust nose pad How to attach RX-CLIP

Two cyclists riding on a rocky trail through a mountainous landscape

Evolution Stories: Small Steps to Big Things

Jenny Graham’s recipe for living life and setting records

Evolution Stories Episode 2: MS Makes Me

In Evolution Stories Episode 2, ‘MS Makes Me’, Andy McKenna explores the Tweed Valley with first-time mountain biker Jonny White – cyclist, husband, father, doctor and fellow MSer.

Evolution Stories: Building better humans

What if you were told you’d never ride your mountain bike again? The critically acclaimed film ’Evolution’ – released in October 2022 – delved into Shimano-supported rider Andy McKenna’s approach to a life where this hard hypothetical is a heavy truth.

DURA ACE Fastest Shifting in History

Victory. There is nothing like it. Olympic gold. Grand Tour jerseys. World championships. For more than fifty years, at the biggest stages in cycling history, victory has been a seven-letter word:

Close-up of cyclist pedaling an Orbea bike with Dura-Ace components on a smooth roadroad

SHIMANO Di2: The Ultimate Shift

The Uncompromising Reliability and Performance of Shimano Di2

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.

Shimano's New GRIPD gravity mountain bike shoes

GRIPD – New Shoe Day

New Shoe Day with Dane Jewett and SHIMANO’s New GRIPD Gravity Shoes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shimsno's all new DEORE XT M8200 Di2 Electronic shifting mountain bike groupset

Introducing DEORE XT M8200 Di2

More than a ride, it's a way of life.

XTR Explained - Intuitive Ergonomics

Mastering Speed and Control with XTR Shift and Brake Ergonomics

XTR Explained - Braking Control

Brake Later, Ride Faster - Confidence in Every Turn

XTR Explained - Drivetrain Robustness & Survivability

Real-World Durability for Real-World Riding

Introducing XTR M9200 Di2

Fast and Precise Shifting, Robust Construction, Refined Braking System

Child in a blue cargo bike, wearing a yellow outfit and helmet, smiling and clapping hands

Introducing Just Ride

We consider it our privilege to help you travel through your city. To create precision components that can take you as far as your ambition may lead. And we are about to go one step further. Introducing Just Ride, our commitment to sharing the positive power of cycling with everyone.

How to prepare for the mountains

Looking to tackle some climbs with your road bike? Learn exactly how to prepare for the mountains with these practical tips from Shimano-supported rider Nikky Alberts.

Person holding a smartphone displaying a customization app screen

The Benefits of Gravel Wheels How to Select Wheels That Suit Your Gravel Goals

How to select wheels that suit your gravel goals

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.

Four Friends - The Birth of Women's MTB in Bhutan

Julie Cornelius has been helping women around the world discover the power of mountain biking for decades, but her first visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan was a unique lesson in the power of friendship.

Your Ultimate Preparation Guide for REBOUND

Prepare for REBOUND with our ultimate guide! Explore bike selection, gear tips, nutrition strategies, and mental prep to elevate your gravel cycling experience!

Close-up of muddy mountain bike shoe in forest setting

Upgrade Your Grip With ULTREAD

Battered, beaten, and taken for granted, the sole of the MTB shoe is a workhorse that is crucial to the connection between you and your bike. And when it comes to mud wrestling, high-speed descending, powering up rocky climbs, and high-altitude walkabouts, the sole of your shoe can make all the difference for better control and more comfort both on and off the bike.

Caring for your bike ahead of Gran Fondo

Big goals, like taking part in a Gran Fondo, are fantastic motivators to keep you fit and on your bike.

Two mountain bikers descending a narrow trail on a rugged hillside with a scenic valley backdrop

Dan Milner Riding the Void

Trail-tripping through Scotland’s wilds

Shimano DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA Long Axle Pedals

Enhancing stance width through pedal axle lengths

Group of people with bicycles standing and talking near a concrete wall

How to Set Your Bike Up to Feel Comfortable

Your perfect bike should fit you like a glove, with a few tweaks to your riding position everyone can enjoy comfortable, care-free cycling. We take a look at your bike’s contact points and the adjustments that can be made to customise your bike to your body.

Ten Reasons to Ride Shimano Ep8

In 2016, we unveiled SHIMANO E-BIKE SYSTEMS E8000. As the first e-MTB dedicated e-bike system, it was celebrated globally by riders and was considered a true game changer.

The Netherlands Win the 2024 European Bike Mechanics Championship

Want to find out who’s the best bike mechanic in Europe? During the European Mechanics Championship, Shimano Certified Mechanics battled it out in Mechelen, Belgium.

HYPERGLIDE+

Revolutionising shifting performance, SHIMANO’s HYPERGLIDE+ shift technology delivers the world’s smoothest, most precise shifting in all riding conditions.

Rainbows for Grace, Puck, and Remco!

DURA-ACE Riders Complete the Dream at the UCI Worlds

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

Scotty Laughland: A Taste of Italy

Embark on a 10-day adventure with Scotty Laughland as he explores Italy’s breathtaking mountain bike trails.

Evolution Stories: Adam Raja Rewrites Labels

In Episode 5 of Shimano Evolution Stories, Andy McKenna shares the trail with Adam Raja as he opens up about the struggle to leave his past behind and embrace a new identity, inspiring others to do the same.

Person carrying a gardening tool over their shoulder surrounded by greenery

SHIMANO Commits $10 Million To Global MTB Trail Building Projects

Spring Tune-Up: Get Your Road or Gravel Bike Ready for the Ride

The days are getting longer, and the temperatures are warming up.

The Orbea Denna: An Electric Gravel Bike for Adventure

Orbea Launches its New Gravel-Focused E-Bike with SHIMANO EP8 RS

Caring for your Bike: Ride with confidence on a well-maintained bicycle

Your bike, or bikes, should be your pride and joy. With proper maintenance, a bicycle can be more than an efficient means of getting from A to B. More than a tool to improve your fitness or to race your friends and rivals. It can be a source of joy and freedom. A powerful machine that deserves your loving care.

Two cyclists in gear sit outside a cafe enjoying drinks, with a bike parked against the wall nearby

Differences Between DEORE and SLX

An important question for any MTB rider out there: Should you ride SLX or DEORE? Let's dive into the key differences and common features of these hallmark MTB groupsets.

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?

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.

Cyclist wearing white shoes on a road bike with Shimano Ultegra components

The Ultimate ULTEGRA Explainer

Everything you need to know about our premium road groupset: ULTEGRA

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.

GRX: Mechanical Modernity

In an ever-more computerized world, we set out to break the mold by breathing new life into mechanical shifting to give you a gravel ally that works with next-level analog technology. Or three distinct allies, to be precise. For this piece, we asked none

SHIMANO Releases Limited Edition GRX Pedals

Featuring United in Gravel graphics

Three bicycle wheels with Dura-Ace C60 branding against a black background

Shimano Road Wheels Explained

Shimano wheels benefit from over 100 years of engineering expertise and experience, and the latest crop of 12-speed wheels sprung from an extensive history of racing and riding excellence. Shimano's performance road wheelsets are organized into three tiers: Dura-Ace for unsurpassed race performance, Ultegra for the discerning enthusiast, and Shimano 105-level RS710 wheels built for reliability and value.

Three black Dura Ace bicycle wheels in different sizes against a black background

SHIMANO Performance Carbon Road Wheels

From the fastest sprints and hardest climbs of the WorldTour to the everyday riding experience close to home, SHIMANO's lineup of road wheels delivers high-end performance to take you farther, faster, or higher on any ride. Developed with over 100 years of engineering expertise and experience, the newest models of 11- and 12-speed road wheelsets are organized into three tiers with features to suit every road rider.

Cyclist riding an orange Canyon bike in a grassy field

Shimano GRX Personalities

What does it mean to be a gravel cyclist? There is no one definitive answer—and that’s the beauty of cycling’s drop bar, dirt road discipline. Indeed, gravel cycling is about personal expression and the freedom to choose. There is no rule book, no established norms, no stodgy old traditions. You decide when, where, and how to ride.

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.

Blue Skoda support car with bicycles on roof driving on dirt road through fields

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.

SHIMANO Expands Gravel Lineup with New 2x12-Speed GRX Di2

Electrifying Shimano’s 12-speed gravel component family, new 2x12-speed GRX RX825 Di2 components combine Shimano’s unrivaled electronic shifting with optimized gearing options for riding, racing, and all-day adventures. The new suite of electronic Di2 parts features dual control levers refined for comfort and control, a SHIMANO SHADOW RD+ equipped rear derailleur for better chain management, and a gravel-optimized front derailleur for precise shifting.

Close-up of a bicycle drivetrain with colorful background

Shimano Di2 Deep Dive

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

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.

Shimano 105 Di2: It’s a new day

In 1982, Shimano 105 was launched to the cycling world, slotting beneath Dura-Ace and Shimano 600 Series (later rebranded Ultegra).

Close-up of a cyclist adjusting a bike handlebar with a mounted cycle computer

Change Your Handlebar Position to Improve Your Ride

Often taken for granted, the handlebar is one of the most important components on your road bike. Along with your pedals and saddle, it’s one of three contact points that define how you interact with your bike and the road ahead. It is also your bike’s proverbial steering wheel, controlling how your bike handles, and it plays a critical role in fit and aerodynamics as well.

Two cyclists ride across a bridge near a rustic building and a stream on a sunny day

AUTO SHIFT: For Happier Miles

Our AUTO SHIFT technology marks one of the biggest ever steps forward in cycling innovation. The concept of automated shifting has become a reality. The technology certainly delivers, but how does it work in a practical, real-world sense? And what are its benefits to you?

Cyclist riding a mountain trail by the ocean at sunset

New Intelligent Shifting Technologies to Elevate Your Ride

Explore New Grounds with SHIMANO’s new intelligent shifting technologies. The truly pioneering engineering results in new ways of shifting that combat common gear-based problems that (almost) all cyclists experience. With DEORE XT Di2, which is specifically designed for e-bikes and compatible with the updated EP8 and new EP6 motors, both beginners and experienced riders can enjoy FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT. Gear shifting is taken to never-before-seen levels of innovation, with FREE SHIFT allowing you to change gear without pedaling, and AUTO SHIFT changing gear for you without you having to click a lever.

Close-up of Shimano EP8 electric bike motor and drivetrain

New EP5: Refined and Naturally Smooth

Why compromise on your e-bike’s natural look and feel? EP5 integrates seamlessly with your bicycle’s frame to enhance your riding experience. Plus, it packs all the power and all the beauty—with a whopping 60Nm torque—into a slim, sleek, and smart design. Our new drive unit enables you to experience effortless comfort with our exclusive AUTO SHIFT algorithm.

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.

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.

Close-up of a black GRX bicycle wheel with spokes

SHIMANO GRX Carbon Gravel Wheels

Ride or race, gravel cycling is about the adventure ahead. The comradery with friends or the friendly competition with others. Gravel is about getting up early to explore unknown roads or to push ourselves to new levels, and beyond. Gravel is a little different for everyone, but the goal is similar – enjoy the ride, whatever that means to you.

Two cyclists mountain biking downhill on a grassy terrain.

Gravity Footwear: Camille Balanche and Wyn Masters

Camille Balanche and Wyn Masters—great partnerships often come in pairs, just like our shoes. Watch our video of these two mountain bike legends, each approaching the sport differently but connected through our Gravity Footwear. The video was shot in beautiful New Zealand.

Close-up of cyclists' hands on handlebars, wearing gloves and FDJ branded clothing.

FDJ-Suez Builds to the Tour de France Femmes

We joined Women's World Tour team FDJ-Suez as they prepared for one of the year's biggest events: The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift! From peaceful mornings with coffee and breakfast to full-throttle training sessions.

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.

Gray electric bike with a rear rack against a maroon background

Escape the Everyday With the Orbea Kemen

Orbea’s new iterations of the Kemen breathe adventure into everyday life.

Illustration of people riding bicycles with icons of muscle, battery, and plant

E-Bike Myths – Busted!

Electric bikes have revolutionised cycling and millions of new people are discovering the benefits of e-bikes each year. But still people have their doubts. Here we bust a few e-bike myths and share with you why we think e-bikes are not just here to stay but are going to revolutionise cycling.

Close-up of bicycle chain with a chain tool attached for maintenance

How to Check Your Chain Length

Shortening and re-installing SHIMANO chains

Close-up of Shimano bike chain and gears against a rustic wooden background

SHIMANO DEORE XT and XTR

Differences and common features

CUSTOMIZE YOUR RIDE

The way you ride e-bikes is about to change forever thanks to SHIMANO’s revolutionary EP8 e-bike system featuring unheralded levels of customization via the accompanying E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist App.

Choosing the Right SHIMANO SPD-SL Road Cleats for You

Shimano SPD-SL road pedals and cleats are a popular choice among professional and amateur cyclists thanks to their stable platform, easy operation, and long-lasting performance. The wide, low-profile cleats distribute force evenly and allow for easy walkability without needing to carry special cleat covers for your mid-ride coffee stop.

Kilian Bron: ‘Who Am I?’

Meet Kilian Bron Like Never Before and Learn About the Life of an MTB Adventurer/Film Maker

When to Replace Shimano Cycling Cleats

How to Replace Shimano SPD-SL and SPD Cleats

Shimano’s 2025 World Cup Preview

The 2025 World Cup season is approaching fast, and there is much to be excited about. This winter has been busier than ever with big-name moves, team overhauls, race schedule changes and the publication of a jam-packed calendar. There’s plenty to unpack, so let’s dig into the who’s who and what’s where.

Shimano Sponsored Road Teams of 2025

Discover Shimano’s Class of 2025 and Explore the UCI WorldTour Calendar 2025

Dan Milner Sizzle

A Mallorcan Odyssey with MTB Photographer Dan Milner, Powered by DEORE XT.

Shimano GRX Di2 12-Speed

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

Carolin Schiff: From Bremen to UNBOUND

Learn How To Prepare for Your First Race with Carolin Schiff

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

Shimano Europe B.V. (“Shimano”), starts an inspection and replacement program of selected bonded 11-speed HOLLOWTECH II road cranksets produced between June 1, 2012, up to and including June 30, 2019, for a possible bonding separation issue.

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.

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.

GRAVITY FOOTWEAR

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

TOOL‐AND-ACCESSORIES

Various Fitting Tools and Accessories

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.

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.

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.

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.

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