The Shimano arabesque group, more properly known 600EX or the 6200 series, was produced from 1978 to 1984, inclusive. It was the 2nd generation 600 and was produced concurrently with the 3rd generation (600AX, 1981-1984), but succumbed to the 4th generation New 600EX in 1985, when Shimano was able to incorpate a slant parallelogram due to SunTour's recently expired patent of this design.

The 2nd generation introduced a full groupset. This was the first truly successful mid range group and incorporated many of the features of the top end Dura Ace group that many cylists coveted, but could not afford. 600EX nicely filled this void (and Shimano's coffers) with an affordable, well performing group that is fondly remembered by many avid cyclists. With the top Campagnolo and Shimano components currently commanding high prices, 600EX is now being sought out by many collectors.