
7 OPERATION
Part No 1171790
41
Invacare®
Top End® Force™Handcycle Series
7.1
Shifting Gears
To shift gears, you MUST turn the crank forward with the chain under some
tension while the bike is moving.
There are two shifters installed on the handcycle. The right handpedal shifter
operates the nine gears on the lower derailleur and the a cable driven or
manual shifter (manual shifter is on Force-2 Model only) operates the three
chain rings on the upper derailleur.
9 gears X three chain rings = 27 speeds
10 gears X three chain rings = 30 speeds
Shifting the chain on the lower derailleur towards the centerline of the
handcycle is for climbing/accelerating (easier cranking) (lever A) and is called
a downshift. Moving the chain on the lower derailleur out or away from the
centerline of the handcycle is for speed (harder cranking) (lever B) and is
called an upshift.
During operation, the chain should run smoothly over the chain rings. If
there are problems with the chain, discontinue use and contact your local
bike shop.
Refer to the chart for an explanation and use of the upper derailleur chain
rings in combination with the lower derailleur gears:
•
If your pedaling cadence is too slow, shift into a lower gear
•
If your pedaling cadence is too fast, shift into a higher gear
•
The chain should not rub on the front of the derailleur chain guide
•
Shift into a lower gear in order to facilitate easy start-up
•
NEVER shift gears while stationary or while pedaling backwards
•
Keep eyes on the road when changing gears
CAUTION
DO NOT attempt to shift gears while bike is stationary.
DO NOT press both shifter levers down at the same time. Doing so may damage the shifter and will void the warranty. The gears WILL
NOT shift when both levers are pressed simultaneously.
DO NOT use excessive force. This may damage the shifter and void the warranty.
Lower derailleur
gears (right shifter)
Upper derailleur chain rings
(manual shifter or cable
driven shifter)
Use for:
1-9
Smallest
Climbing Hills or
Strong Headwinds
10-18
Medium
Flats or Gradual
Rolling Terrain
19-27
Largest
Descending Hills or
Strong Tailwinds
Recommended
Not Recommended