In 1961, a 3-speed bicycle hub displayed at the New York Toy Show was the catalyst for what would eventually become Shimano American Corporation. The popularity of 20-inch wheeled bikes with hi-rise handle bars fueled a demand for multi-speed hubs and Shimano was producing an affordable and reliable version that caught the attention of the industry. So much so, that by 1965, Yoshizo Shimano, the youngest son of the company founder in Japan, opened an office in New York to get quicker product feedback and to provide technical and warranty assistance to retailers selling bikes equipped with Shimano parts.
Shimano’s participation extends much further than the product, though. Through advocacy programs, ISO 14001 certification, and even commuter / car pool programs for employees, Shimano practices good local citizenship, pursues continued access to those areas that are enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts, and is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment.
