SHIFTING GEARS
Identify
your
gear
levers
from
the
diagrams.
Mountain / Cross bicycles have handlebar mounted
shifters.
Road bikes use various types of shifters, these can
include Integrated Brake and Gear Levers, rotating
handlebar ‘grip shift’ systems or other variants. Ask your
bicycle retailer to explain the gear changing procedure.
Practice changing gears to gain confidence.
For smooth operation of all types of levers you must be
pedalling forwards when changing gears.
NOTE:
Some bicycles have gear levers mounted on the
down tube (see diagram) of the frame. Using this type of
mounting requires practice.
WARNING:
Pedalling
backwards
whilst
changing gears can jam the chain causing
damage to your bicycle and / or a crash.
FRICTION GEAR SHIFT LEVERS
Friction levers are ‘stopless’ and hold the derailleur in
place with simple force (tension). The amount of friction
can be adjusted by means of the screw on top of the
lever assembly.
If derailleur gears on your bicycle are indexed, each time
you move the gear lever one click the derailleur travels a
set distance to engage the next gear. This enables you
easier and more accurate gear changing.
