Shimano parts and their hidden model numbers

Each Shimano part has a unique code that helps to find the right replacement. If the part number doesn’t match then the components won’t be compatible. We will endeavour to have shimano parts numbers explained to you in the following article.

Items to help you with the job.

Cloth.

Some model numbers might be covered with dirt and grease so wiping with a cloth might help to make it more visible.

Torch.

Model numbers are small and etched in hard to reach places, so a bright light will make them more visible.

Shimano parts – brake lever  

This model number starts with BL which stands for brake lever. 

Where is the model number on Shimano flat bar brake levers?

On flat bars it is usually on the underside of the lever body. 

Where is the model number on Shimano hydraulic disc brake levers?

Hydraulic levers have the model number either etched under the lever body or printed near the reservoir.

Where is the model number on Shimano drop bar brake levers?

On drop bar levers the code is etched on the side of the lever blade hidden inside the lever body. To find it pull the lever.

Shimano parts – Gear shifters

The code starts SL which stand for shift lever. 

Where is the model number on Shimano flat bar gear shifters?

On flat bars it is etched near the handlebar clamp bolt or under the body.

Where is the model number on Shimano Revoshift gear shifters?

Revoshift shifters have the code on the underside of the lever near the clamp. 

Where is the model number on Shimano drop bar gear shifters?

Drop bar shifters have their code etched on the side of the body.

Integrated brake and gear levers. 

These are called STI levers. This stand for Shimano Total Integration and the code starts ST.

Where is the model number on Shimano flat bar STI shifters?

On flat bars they are found either under the lever body or near the barrel adjuster. 

Where is the model number on Shimano drop bar STI shifters?

On drop bars the part number is usually marked under the hood on the lever body. Lift the hood from the bottom and if necessary, check under the handlebar tape near the lever body.
Some hydraulic STI levers have their model number etched inside the plastic gear lever blade. 

Brake Calipers

The model number starts with BR. This stands for brake.

Where is the model number on Shimano v-brake calipers?

V brake calipers will have the  model number on one of the arms at the back of the caliper body behind the springs. If you can’t read it then you will need to release the spring. First release the v brake. This will loosen the tension on the spring.  If your not sure how to do this our video here will help you with this task. Now unhook the spring.  If you still can’t see it you might need to remove the brake pad.

If you need help with brake pad removal and replacement then our article here will help you with this task. 

You can also watch our video tutorial here:

The model number doesn’t indicate the colour so when buying a replacement using this model number you will need to chose the right option.

Where is the model number on Shimano dual pivot calipers?

Dual pivot calipers have the model number etched either at the back of the caliper or printed near the barrel adjuster. 

The model number doesn’t indicate the colour. When buying a replacement using this model number you will need to chose the right option.

Where is the model number on Shimano disc brake calipers?

Disc brake calipers have the model number etched near the caliper fixing screw or printed in the centre of the calliper.

Roller brakes are coded on the inside of the arm.

shimano parts numbers hard to find

Rotors

The model numbers starts RT for disc brake rotors. In some cases the part number will start SM for other parts.

Where is the model number on Shimano disc brake rotors?

The part number on disc rotors is etched either on the lockring or the silver part of the rotor.

The variations within the model number are the rotor sizes which are usually between 140mm and 203mm.

Hubs

Where is the model number on Shimano wheel hubs?

The model number is written on the middle of the body.

The front hub starts with HB which stand for hub.

The rear starts FH which stands for freehub body hub.

Some wheel hubs will have a number starts with WH (for wheel) this means that the hub is a part of a Shimano built wheel.

If it is a dynamo hub the  model number will start DH for dynamo hub. 

The model number for a hub gear hub will start with SG ( internal gear hub).

Be aware, that within the model  number, there will be alternatives.  The model of your hub might have options for the number of  spoke holes, e.g. 32 or 36 hole, different colours, e.g. black or silver, for hub gears a choice of brake mounts, e.g. disc brake or roller brake, and for thru axle hubs different axle lengths, standard or boost. 

Shimano parts – Chainset

The  model number starts FC for front chainwheel. 

Where is the model number on Shimano wheel hubs?

The most common place to find it is near the pedal hole but sometimes it is stickered along the centre on the inside of the arm. 

Be aware that there will be variations within the part, such as colour, e.g. black or silver, crank arm length (written in millimeters and varying between 160mm and 175mm. ) and the number of teeth on the chainrings. 

The left crank may have more than one model number. This indicates that it is interchangeable between these parts.

shimano parts numbers hard to find on a left crank arm

The model number number doesn’t indicate variations such as colour and crank arm length.

Shimano parts – bottom brackets

Shimano bottom brackets will have a model number starting BB for bottom bracket. 

It is printed on the outside bearing shell for Hollowtech II. 

shimano parts numbers hard to find on hollowtech II bottom brackets

Cartridge bottom brackets have the model number written on the shell inside.

shimano parts numbers hard to find on cratridge bottom brackets

Press fit bottom brackets have the model number etched on the face of the outside bearing shell.

shimano parts numbers hard to find on pressfit bottom brackets

For the Hollotech 11 mountain bike model there are two shell widths 68/73mm and 83mm within the model number.

Cartridge model number doesn’t indicate the shell width (68mm and 73mm) and the axle length (107mm-127.5mm). There are no variations on the press fit.

Chain

The chain model number starts CN for chain and is written generally on every other link. For 10 speed and above, the writing will only be on one side.

shimano parts numbers hard to find on a chain

Freewheels and cassettes

The model number for a freewheel starts MF (multiple freewheel) and is stamped on the biggest cog. 

shimano parts numbers hard to find on a freewheel

On the 7 speed freewheel the model number doesn’t indicate whether it is 14-28 teeth or 14-34 teeth option.

The model number for a single speed freewheel starts with SF which stands for Single Freewheel. It doesn’t indicate the number of teeth on the sprocket.

shimano parts numbers hard to find on a single speed freewheel
Where is the model number on Shimano cassettes?

For cassettes, the model number starts CS . It is either written on the largest cog or on the lockring.

There are variations on most models concerning the number of teeth on the smallest and largest cogs.

Rear derailleur 

Where is the model number on Shimano rear derailleurs?

The model number starts RD. This stands for rear derailleur. It is etched on the back of the derailleur body.

The model number doesn’t differentiate between the cage lengths (SS(short), GS (medium), and SGS(long) and colour (silver or black) and the colour (black or grey).

Front derailleur

Where is the model number on Shimano rear derailleurs?

The model number starts FD for front derailleur. It is usually etched behind the back plate of the cage. Sometimes the model number will be etched at the bottom of the derailleur body near the clamp.

The model of your front mech may have options for how it is attached to the frame (band on, braze on, direct mount, E-type, Mid Clamp Mount Boost or Mid Clamp Band Mount), the size of the clamp band (S/M – 28.6mm/31.8mm and L – 34.9mm)

the position of the cage in relation to the clamp  (swing) (top swing, bottom swing or side swing), the angle of the derailleur in relation to the chainset (either 63-66 degrees used on hybrid bikes or 66-69 degrees for mountain bikes) and if it can shift 2 or 3 gears.


You can also watch our video tutorial here:


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