Shimano road groupset timeline

Numbering inconsitencies:

  • Dura-Ace began with 7xxx series numbers, but switched to 9xxx after 7900, and maintained the sequence even once including the “R” prefix.
  • Ultegra began with 6xxx series numbers, but switched to 8xxx at the same time it adopted an “R” prefix. (Ignoring the original 600 series naming.)
  • 105 began with 5xxx series numbers, but switched to 7xxx at the same time it adopted an “R” prefix.
  • Sora and Claris have always used 3xxx/2xxx series numbers, but reset from 3500/2400 down to R3000/R2000 when they adopted the “R” prefix.
  • For the latest generations, xx00 indicates mechanical shifting, and xx50 indicates Di2 for individual components. Numbers are increased by 20 to indicate disc brake components (e.g., xx20 for mechanical shifting and disc brakes, and xx70 for Di2 and disc brakes). But some early Di2 components used xx70 to distinguish between mechanical and electronic shifting, even when only compatible with rim brakes.
  • For marketing purposes, Shinamo sometimes segments around the shifting system, and will distinguish between xx00 and xx50. But within the same generation (e.g., R9200), both the xx00 and xx50 (e.g., R9200 and R9250) components will generally be compatible (chains, cassettes, etc).

Solid background = mechanical shifting, striped = Di2.
Black border = rim brakes, orange = disc brakes.

6
7
8
9
10
11
12 speed
1974 ‘80 ‘85 ‘90 ‘95 2000 ‘05 ‘10 ‘15 ‘20
Dura-Ace 7200 7300 7400 7400 7400 7700 7800 7900 9000 9100 R9200
Ultegra 600 6200 6300 6400 6500 6600 6700 6800 R8000 R8100
105 5500 5600 5700 5800 R7000 R7100
Tiagra 4400 4500 4600 4700
Sora 3300 3400 3500 R3000
Claris 2200 2300 2400 R2000