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31
GEARS - HOW TO OPERATE
Derailleur gears
Most multi-speed bicycles today are equipped with what are
known as derailleur gears. They operate using a system of levers
and mechanisms to move the drive chain between different sized
driving gears or cogs. The purpose of gears is to let you maintain
a constant, steady pedaling pace under varying conditions. This
means your riding will be less tiring without unnecessary straining
up hills or fast pedaling down hill. Bicycles come with a variety of
gear configurations from 5 to 30 speeds. A 5 or 6 speed bicycle will
typically have a single front chainwheel, a rear derailleur, and 5 or 6
cogs on the rear hub. Bicycles with more gears will additionally have
a front derailleur, a front chainwheel with 2-3 cogs, and up to 10 cogs
on the rear hub.
Operating Principles
No matter how many gears, the operating principles are the same.
The front derailleur is operated by the left shift lever and the rear
derailleur by the right. To operate you must be pedaling forward. You
can not shift derailleur gears when you are stopped or when pedaling
backwards. Before shifting ease up on your pedaling pressure. For
a smooth gear change when approaching a hill, shift to a lower gear
BEFORE your pedaling speed slows down too much. When coming
to a stop, shift to a lower gear first so it will be easier when you start
riding again. If, after selecting a new gear position, you hear a slight
rubbing noise from the front or rear gears, some adjustments may be
necessary. Gently adjust the appropriate shifter using the barrel
adjusters until the noise goes away. For optimal performance and
extended chain life, it is recommended that you avoid using the
extreme combinations of gear positions (Refer to diagram on page
31) for extended periods. It is recommended that a trained bicycle
technician perform all adjustments to the shifters and derailleurs.
Drivetrain
Front Derailleur
Guide Pulley
Rear Derailleur
Front Chainwheels
Crank Arm
Pedal
Derailleur Control
Cable
Freewheel
Cogs
Recommended chainwheel/Rear sprocket Gear combinations
Hand grip Shifters
Some bicycles are equipped with a shifting mechanism called Grip
Shift™, which is built into the handlebar grips and does not make use
of separate levers. The actuating mechanism is built into the inside
part of the grip so that the hand and palm wrap around them naturally.
To select a lower gear, twist the left shifter toward you to engage a
larger rear cog. You can shift one gear at a time by moving the Grip
Shift™ one click, or through multiple gears by continued twisting. To
select a higher gear, twist the left shifter forward or away from you to
engage a smaller rear cog. Single shifts can be achieved by twisting
one click at a time and multiple shifts by larger twists.
Front Low Gear
Rear Low Gear
Front High Gear
Rear High Gear
1 2
3 4
5 6
3
1
High
Middle
Low
2
These combinations are
NOT RECOMMENDED for
optimal performance.
1 2
3 4
5 6
2
High
1
Low
These combinations are
NOT RECOMMENDED for
optimal performance.