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MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
THE GROUPSET
A bike’s groupset refers to the mechanical parts that are involved in braking, changing gears,
or powering the drivetrain. This includes the shifter(s), brake levers, front and rear brake
calipers, front and rear derailleurs, wheel hubs, crankset, bottom bracket, chain, and cassette.
ABOUT GEARS AND SHIFTING
Understanding when and how to shift gears on any bike will lead to a smoother riding
experience and avoid unnecessary damage to components due to excessive strain. On
an electric bike efficient use of gears will also help to maximize your battery range.
Shifting gears is done so that you can maintain a constant and comfortable pedaling
speed (cadence), no matter how fast you are riding. As you move faster you will want to
use the shifters to ‘shift up’ into higher gears to stop your legs spinning too fast. As your
riding speed is reduced you will want to ‘shift down’ to lower gears so you do not have
to exert excessive pressure on the pedal to keep moving. When coming to a stop it is
recommended to ‘shift down’ to a lower gear. This positions the drivetrain so you will always
be ready to move off again in a lower (easier) gear and gradually ‘shift up’ through the gears
as you increase speed allowing you to safely gain momentum, traction and balance.
Ideally, scan the road ahead and anticipate your shifts. This will ensure that you are in the
correct gear when you need it, and avoid any problems with shifting under difficult conditions.
Note:
Always pedal forwards while shifting, the chain needs to be
moving in order to perform the gear shifts.
Try to avoid extreme strain on the chain when shifting, if you are pedaling very hard (uphill
or strong accelerations), ease up on the pedals slightly while continuing to pedal.
SHIMANO TRIGGER SHIFTERS
There are 2 levers on the shifter, A and B in the diagram :
Right side shifter
Push lever A with your thumb to ‘shift down’ when pedaling is too difficult.
This will move the chain to a larger gear on the rear wheel, and the indicator
on the shifter will show a lower number. Pedaling will be easier.
When speed increases and you are pedaling too fast, pull the lever B with your
index finger to ‘shift up’. This will move the chain to a smaller gear on the rear
wheel, and the indicator will show a higher number. Pedaling will be harder.
shift up
into higher gears
LOW GEAR
HIGH GEAR
shift down
into lower gears
DIAGRAM OF RIGHT SIDE SHIFTER
