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External Gears (derailleur equipped bicycles)
Derailleur equipped bicycles all have a rear derailleur. Some may also have a front
derailleur oering more gear choices. The right side shier will operate the rear
derailleur, and the le side (if equipped) will operate the front derailleur. On derailleur
equipped bicycles, it is important to be pedaling forward when shiing gears. This
allows the chain to “derail” from one gear to the next. Operang the shier while
sing sll or not pedaling can cause damage to the system, and can be dangerous,
as the chain may jam and cause the bike to become unstable. (Fig. 2.15)
Avoid back pedaling on any bicycle with derailleurs. Backpedaling can derail the
chain and cause it to jam or fall o the gears. When shiing gears, make sure you pedal
forward unl the gear has completely changed. (At least one full rotaon of the pedals.)
Failure to do so, may result in the chain not engaging properly the next me you pedal
forward, or falling o altogether causing a possible danger when you aempt to pedal
again. Remember always pedal through the gear change on a derailleur equipped bicycle.
Rear Shier
The rear shier (right) will have an indicator that reads either “low to “high” or a series
of numbers from 1 up. Low or “1” is the lowest gear. This is used for slower riding, hill
climbing, or to allow for easier pedaling. It is recommended to start o in this gear and
move through the gears as speed increases as needed, or comfortable. It is OK to ride
the whole me in only one gear if this is comfortable. Shi only while pedaling forward
and seated. When shiing, lessen the pressure exerted on the pedals during the shi.
Once you have successfully shied gears, it is OK to start to pedal hard if desired. Pedaling
hard while shiing can cause the chain to skip and not engage the appropriate gear.
Backpedaling should be avoided on derailleur bikes because the chain can jam and
cause the bike to become unstable. See Assembly and Maintenance for further
informaon on proper gear adjustment. (Fig. 2.16)
BEFORE YOU RIDE
2.16
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