Tech
cont’d
d.
Which Gear Should I be in?
The combination of larger rear and smaller
front gears (fig. 16) is for the steepest hills. The
smallest rear and largest front combination 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 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. Learn to anticipate the need to shift, and
shift to a lower gear
before
the hill gets too steep. If you have difficulties with shifting, the
problem could be mechanical adjustment. See a certified bike mechanic for help.
e. What If It Won’t Shift Gears?
If moving the shift control one click repeatedly fails to result in a smooth shift to
the next gear, chances are that the mechanism is out of adjustment. Take your bike to a
certified bike mechanic to have it adjusted.
2. How an internal Gear Hub Drivetrain Works
If your bicycle has an internal gear hub drivetrain, the gear changing mechanism
will consist of:
A 3, 5, 7, 8, 12 speed or possibly an infinitely variable internal hub
One, or sometimes two shifters
One or two control cables
One front sprocket called a chainring
A drivetrain
a. Shifting Internal Gear Hubs
Shifting with an internal gear hub drivetrain is simply a matter of moving the
shifter to the indicated position for the desired gear ratio. After you have moved the
shifter to the gear position of your choice, ease the pressure on the pedals for an instant
to allow the hub to complete the shift.
b. Which Gear Should I Be In?
The numerically lowest gear (1) is for the steepest hills. The numerically largest
gear is for the greatest speed.
Shifting from an easier, “slower” gear (like 1) to a harder, “faster” gear (like 2 or 3)
is called an upshift. Shifting from a harder, “faster” gear to an easier, “slower” gear is
called a downshift. It is necessary to shift gears in sequence. Instead, find the “starting
gear” for the conditions—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 gears. At first, practice shifting where there are
WARNING
: Never shift a derailleur onto the larg-
est or smallest sprocket if the derailleur is not shifting smoothly. The derailleur
may be out of adjustment and the chain could jam, causing you to lose control and fall.
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Summary of Contents for KC720-220
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