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For greatest braking force, the crank
arms should be horizontal when you
apply the brake. The crank will rotate
some before the brake starts to
work, so start to apply the brake with
the rear pedal slightly higher than
horizontal (Figure 1.9).
Hand brakes
Before riding, make sure you know
which brake lever controls which brake
(front or rear).
If you have two hand brakes, apply
both brakes at the same time.
The front brake provides more
stopping power than the rear, so do
not use it too forcefully or too abruptly.
Gradually add pressure to both brakes
until you slow to the desired speed
or stop.
If you must stop quickly, shift your
weight back as you apply the brakes to
keep the rear wheel on the ground.
WARNING:
Brake force applied
to the front wheel suddenly or too fully
could lift the rear wheel off the ground
or cause the front wheel to slide out
from under you. This will decrease your
control and cause you to fall.
Some front brakes include a
‘modulator’, a device that makes
application of the front brake
more gradual.
Shifting gears
The gears on your bicycle allow you
to pedal comfortably in different
conditions — like riding up a hill,
pedaling into a headwind, or riding fast
on flat terrain. Select the gear that is
most comfortable for the conditions;
a gear that lets you pedal at a
constant rate.
There are two shifting systems on
most bicycles: the derailleur which is
external, and the internal gear hub
(IGH). Use the proper technique for
your setup.
Different shifters and derailleurs
function differently. Get to know
your system.
To shift with a derailleur
WARNING:
Improper derailleur
shifting technique could cause your
chain to jam or come off, causing you to
lose control and fall.
A derailleur moves your chain from
one gear to another. You shift gears
by changing the position of a shift
lever (also called a shifter), which
controls the derailleur. On most
bicycles the left shifter controls the
front derailleur and the right shifter
controls the rear derailleur.
Shift gears only when the pedals and
chain are moving forward.
Decrease the force on the pedals as
you shift gears. Reduced chain tension
helps the chain shift gears quickly
and smoothly, which decreases chain,
derailleur, and gear wear.
Use only one shifter at a time.
Do not shift gears when you ride over
bumps to prevent dropping or jamming
the chain or missing a gear.
Do not ride with the chain in the
“cross-over” position. Cross-over is
when you shift the derailleur so the
chain crosses from the biggest front
sprocket to the biggest rear sprocket
(also the smallest sprocket to the
smallest sprocket).
In this position, the chain is placed at
an extreme angle causing the chain
and gears to run roughly, and the parts
to wear at a faster rate (Figure 1.10).