Shimano 500EX Group Timeline/Quality

[501Brian]

I've just got a set for a retro build.

Just wondered how high up in the range these sat.

They're early 1990s, nice quality.

Was the Shimano 600 group the top of the range or was Dura Ace about when these were made?

The Chainset is RX100, which was about the same as 105 I think.

Dual pivot calipers, aero levers, SIS/Friction 7 speed, the wheel hubs are marked FH-HG50 and RM-HB50 on Rigida SHP60 rims

There's not much info on Velobase for the 500EX group.

 

[David B]

It sat just below RX100 and was the top end of the Exage "family" - Dad used to have some 500EX bits*, the blue/grey finish is pretty smart.

Dura-Ace would have been around at that time and sitting firmly at the top of the tree.

David

*Edit: still does. I think the 500EX brake calipers are on his Tom Bromwich these days.