5 Use
34
Gear OperatIOn
Derailleur equipped bicycles all have a rear derailleur. Some may
also have a front derailleur offering more gear choices. The right
side shifter will operate the rear derailleur, and the left side (if
equipped) will operate the front derailleur. On derailleur
equipped bicycles, it is important to be pedaling forward when
shifting gears. This allows the chain to “derail” from one gear to
the next. Operating the shifter while sitting still or not pedaling
can cause damage to the system, and can be dangerous, as the
chain may jam and cause the bike to become unstable.
Figure 5.2
To shift properly, pedal the bicycle with little pressure on the
pedals, and move the shifter one gear at a time, ensuring that
the chain is fully engaged in that gear before applying more
pressure on the pedals. For bicycles with 3 front chain rings;
avoid “Cross Chaining”, which is the position when the chain is in
the smallest cog in the rear combined with the inner or smallest
chain ring in the front, or the largest cog in the rear and the
outer or largest chain ring in the front. These gear positions put
the chain at the most extreme angle and can cause premature
wear to the drivetrain. Bicycles with three front chain rings have
enough gear “overlaps” that these gears are not needed.
Avoid back pedaling on any bicycle with derailleurs.
Backpedaling can derail the chain and cause it to jam or fall off
the gears. When shifting gears, make sure you pedal forward
until the gear has completely changed. (At least one full rotation
of the pedals.) Failure to do so, may result in the chain not
engaging properly the next time you pedal forward, or falling off
altogether causing a possible danger when you attempt to pedal
again. Remember always pedal through the gear change on a
derailleur equipped bicycle.
• Improper shifting can result in the chain jamming, or
becoming derailed resulting in loss of control or a crash
• Always be sure the chain is fully engaged in the desired
gear before pedaling hard.
• Avoid shifting while standing up on the pedals or
under load.
WarnInG!
Freewheel
cogs
Front
derailleur
Rear
derailleur
Guide
pulley
Front
chain
wheels
Pedal
Crank arm
Derailleur
control cable
Figure 5.2
Schwinn Folding Bicycle Manual.indb 34
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