Icons of cycling: the first Shimano STI gear shift system

Changing gears has never been the same since Shimano’s STI system hit the market 25 years ago

Photo: Graham Watson

When Shimano launched its STI (Shimano Total Integration) system, it did much more than just relocate and streamline the gear levers — it completely changed how people rode and raced bikes.

Until 1990, gear levers had been mounted on the down tube since the invention of the cable-operated parallelogram derailleur in the late 1940s. Certainly there had been options to clamp them to the stem shaft or plug them in at the handlebar ends, but racers preferred not to risk stabbing themselves in the groin or ribs if they fell off, so the down tube lever prevailed for 50 years.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Simon Smythe

Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.