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 move the chain from one sprocket to another, the rider must be pedaling forward.
c. 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 chainring makes pedaling easier (a downshift). Shifting to a larger chainring makes pedaling harder (an
upshift).
d. Which gear should I be in?
The combination of largest rear and smallest front gears (fig. 16) is for the steepest
hills. The smallest rear and la rgest front comb inationis for the greatest spee d. It is not
necessary to shif t gears in seque nce. Instead, find the “st arting gear” which is right for
your l evel of a bility — a g ear which is hard en ough for quick acceleration b ut ea sy
enough to let you start from a stop without wobbling — an d experiment with upshifting
and do wnshifting to get a fe el for the dif ferent gear com binations. At fi rst, practice
shifting where there ar e no ob stacles, hazards or other traffic, until you’ve built u p your
confidence. Learn to anticipate the need to shift, and shift to a lower gear before the hill
gets too steep. If y ou have d ifficulties with s hifting, the pro blem cou ld be mechanic al
adjustment. See your de aler for help. prac tice shif ting where there ar e no obst acles,
hazards or other traf fic, unt il you’ve built up your conf idence. Learn to anticip ate th e
need to shif t, and sh ift to a lo wer ge ar b efore the hi ll get s too steep . If you hav e
difficulties with shifting, the probl em could b e mechanical adjustment. See your dealer
for help.
WARNING: Never shif t a derailleur ont o the largest or th e smallest sprocket if the derailleur is not shif ting
smoothly. The derailleur may be out of adjustment and the chain could jam, causing you to lose control and fall.
e. What if it won’t shift gears?
If moving the shif t control one click repea tedly fai ls to result in a smooth shif t to th
e nex t ge ar chanc es are that the
mechanism is out of adjustment. Take the bike to your dealer to have it adjusted.
2. How an internal gear hub drivetrain works
If your bicycle has an internal gear hub drivetrain, the gear changing mechanism will consist of:
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