What innovation did Shimano introduce in 1990 combining braking and shifting functions?
Answer
STI (Shimano Total Integration) levers
While indexed shifting solved alignment issues, the necessity of reaching down to the down tube for gear changes remained a stability risk, especially during intense riding. The solution, conceived earlier but brought successfully to market by Shimano in 1990, was the **STI (Shimano Total Integration)** lever system. This innovation integrated the brake lever and the shifter into a single unit mounted on the handlebars. This meant riders could maintain a firm grip on the bars for stability while shifting, a safety and performance upgrade that quickly set the standard for the modern bicycle cockpit layout, even as competitors like Campagnolo responded with their *Ergo-Power* system.
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