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The Catalog of Reminiscence

The Invitation for Cycling by Mr.Gami

Part 61: Shimano in 1994




Here is the catalog of Shimano group-set in 1994.
All of the latest technology of Shimano was used for the products of this catalog. Most functions of the present products of Shimano were introduced in this catalog. As for the products after this catalog, the function and weight were improved year after year. However, the basic part seemed to reach the apex in this year.
Suntour which was under Mori industry along with Sakae had changed the name to SR Suntour in the 1994, and had been sold to Taiwan capital following year.
Looking from above viewpoint, I supposed this year must have been a turning point for Shimano and Suntour.

The catalog size was 21 cm height and 13.5 cm wide (centerfold 46 pages). It was distributed to customer via pro-shops.




Here is the front cover and the back cover.





With the title "Unlimited challenge", the catalog explained the conception of Shimano and its products.





"Advanced Light Action" was the name for several kinds of technology which change gear smoothly.





"Optical gear display" was the indicator of the gear position. In the early 1970s, people used to say that those who could recognize the gear position by slant of shift lever were the veteran. However, it must have been difficult as for 8-speed of freewheel.





"Hyper drive C" was a device which reduced the number of tooth of the chain-wheel and a sprocket to downsize the drive system. It improved gear change performance and durability.
The device used a combination with front 43-32-22T and rear 11-28T. Suntour already announced this conception in 1992 as a MD (micro-drive).





Suntour improved rotation, waterproofness, dust resistance and corrosion resistance by polished cone, sealed parts, and cartridge headset.





The group-sets for MTB were introduced from here.





The catalog explained about the trait of the group-sets of MTB. However, there was a bit farfetched part.





Here is the top model XTR. In comparison with present XTR (2007), the design of the rear derailleur is simpler, looks like road-racing model. I reread New cycling magazine of those days, found following comment: "this kind of MTB parts were not suitable to touring bicycle". I also read a report about the experience of the model.





Looking from the present viewpoint, the chain wheel looks slim and neat. However, back in those days, it looked stout. You can see the model in 2007 from here.
PCD was 110-74 mm. The sizes were same as present Compact-drive and the inner ring of Road-triple.
The cantilever brake is popular even now. It is bought with high price on an internet auction.





Here is the second grade model of XT. This was a high grade model which could be used for both a touring bicycle and a racing bicycle.
Cantilever brake is popular as well as XTR because of good performance and design.





The shape of inner side plate of the front derailleur was made for Dual SIS. It was used with the chain-wheel which attached the pin. The shape is simpler than present model.





LX was inferior model of XT. It was 7-speed model.





This was the STX special edition. The finishing work of bronze tone was characteristic.





The group-sets of road racing model were introduced from here.





The catalog explained about the group-set of road racing model. The technologies such as STI, 8 Speeds SIS, Dual SIS, and Super SLR were inherited to present parts.





Dura-ace was the top model of Shimano. The chain ring has auxiliary pins for the gear change. The crank was made for Low-profile. The front derailleur and the rear derailleur was improved, could be used for 8-speed SIS. Pedal was SPD type.





Ultegra was a second grade model. It's still "600 Ultegra".





This is the 105SC. In comparison with the present model 105, it looks a reasonable model. The side-pull brake of the dual pivot type which was called "Super SLR" was put on market as a model 105 first.





On the following two pages, the catalog introduced the group-sets of the Off-road model, and explained about the specification.











On the following two pages, the catalog introduced the group-sets of the road racing model, and explained about the specification.











The catalog was saying "In the 1994, SHIMANO will evolve bicycle to the further high dimension." 13 years have passed already then. Especially the evolution of an off-road group-set was so rapid. Its standard and function had changed drastically. What will happen to the following ten years?






inserted by FC2 system