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2. How an internal gear hub drivetrain works
If your bicycle has an internal gear hub drivetrain, the gear changing mechanism will
consist of:
• a 3, 5, 7, 8, 12 speed or possibly an infinitely variable internal gear hub
• one, or sometimes two shifters
• one or two control cables
• one front sprocket called a chainring
• a drive chain
a. Shifting internal gear hub gears
Shifting with an internal gear hub drivetrain is simply a matter of moving the shifter to the indi-
cated position for the desired gear ratio. 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.
b. Which gear should I be in?
The numerically lowest gear (1) is for the steepest hills. The numerically largest gear is for the
greatest speed. Shifting from an easier, “slower” gear (like 1) to a harder, “faster” gear (like 2 or
3) is called an upshift. Shifting from a harder, “faster” gear to an easier, “slower” gear is called a
downshift. It is not necessary to shift gears in sequence. Instead, find the “starting gear” for the
conditions — 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 dierent gears. At first, practice shifting where there are no obstacles, hazards or other
trac, until you’ve built up your confidence. Learn to anticipate the need to shift, and shift to a
lower gear before the hill gets too steep. If you have diculties with shifting, the problem could
be mechanical adjustment. See your dealer for help.
c. What if it won’t shift gears?
If moving the shift control one click repeatedly fails to result in a smooth shift to the next gear
chances are that the mechanism is out of adjustment. Take the bike to your dealer to have it
adjusted.
E. Pedals
1. Toe Overlap is when your toe can touch the front wheel when you turn the handlebars to
steer while a pedal is in the forwardmost position. This is common on small-framed bicycles,
and is avoided by keeping the inside pedal up and the outside pedal down when making sharp
turns. On any bicycle, this technique will also prevent the inside pedal from striking the ground
in a turn.
WARNING: Toe Overlap could cause you to lose control and fall. Ask your dealer
to help you determine if the combination of frame size, crank arm length, pedal design and
shoes you will use results in pedal overlap. Whether you have overlap
or not,
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