Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 5,385
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Shimano is well known for having a patent research department. They have used previously invented designs from many sources including SunTour. For a glimpse into how systems are designed over the years by rivals check out "The Dancing Chain" by Frank Berto. Andy
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AndrewRStewart