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Using them requires less pedaling effort, but takes you a shorter
distance with each pedal crank revolution. Moving the chain from a
smaller sprocket of the gear cluster to a larger sprocket results in a
downshift. Moving the chain from a larger sprocket to a smaller
sprocket results in an upshift. In order for the derailleur to disengage
the chain from one sprocket and move it on to another, the chain
must be moving forward (i.e. the rider must be pedaling forward).
6.4.3.b. Shifting the Front Derailleur
The front derailleur, which is
controlled by the left shifter, shifts the
chain between the larger and smaller
chainrings. Shifting the chain onto a
smaller chainrings makes pedaling
easier (a downshift). Shifting to a
larger chainring makes pedaling
harder (an upshift).
Which gear should I be
in?
The combination of largest rear,
smallest front gears (Fig. 19) is for
the steepest hills. The smallest rear,
largest front combination (Fig. 19) 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
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 gear
combinations. At first, practice shifting where there are no obstacles,
hazards or other traffic, until you've built up your confidence. Once
you've learned the basics, experience will teach you which gear is
appropriate for which condition, and practice will help you shift
smoothly and at precisely the optimum moment.
6.4.3.c. Shifting an internal gear hub drivetrain
If your bicycle has an internal gear hub drivetrain, the gear changing
mechanism will consist of:
• a 3, 5, 7 or possibly 12 speed internal gear hub
• one, or sometimes two, shifters
• one or two control cables
• one front sprocket called a chainring
• a drive train
Shifting internal gear hub gears
Shifting with an internal gear hub drivetrain is simply a matter of
moving the shifter to the indicated position for the desired gear.
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.
