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SHIFTING THE FRONT DERAILLEUR
The front derailleur, which is controlled by the left lever or twist-grip-
shifter on the handlebar, shifts the chain between the larger and
smaller chainrings. Shifting the chain onto a smaller chainring makes
pedaling easier (a downshift). Shifting to a larger chainring makes
pedaling harder (an upshift).
WHICH GEAR SHOULD I BE IN?
The combination of largest rear and smallest front gears (see Fig
4.4b “A”) is for the steepest hills. The smallest rear and largest front
combination (see Fig 4.4b “B”) is for the greatest speed. It is not
necessary to shift gears in sequence. Instead, find the “starting gear”
which is right for your level of ability – a gear which is hard enough
for quick acceleration but easy enough to let you start from a stop
without wobbling – and experiment with upshifting and downshifting
to get a feel for the different gear combinations. At first, practice
shifting where there are no obstacles, hazards or other traffic, until
you’ve built up your confidence. If you have difficulties with shifting,
the problem could be mechanical adjustment. See your dealer for
assistance.
4.5
PEDALS
Your OHM bicycle comes equipped with standard Shimano pedals.
Be sure to check that when you are properly fitted and positioned on
the bicycle you do not have ‘toe overlap’. Toe Overlap is when your
toe can touch the front wheel when you turn the handlebars to steer,
while a pedal is in the forward-most position. This is common on
smaller framed bicycles, and is avoided by keeping the inside pedal
up and the outside pedal down when turning.
WARNING:
Toe Overlap could cause you to lose
control and fall.
If you have toe overlap, exercise extra care
when turning.
Smallest
rear
Smallest
front
A
(Hills)
Chain
Largest
rear
Largest
front
B
(Greatest speed)
Fig 4.4b
Summary of Contents for bicycle
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