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from shifting off the small (high) gear that is on the rear axle. Tightening the rear derailleur low gear adjustment screw keeps the chain from shifting off
the large (low) gear into the rear wheel. Moving the chain from a smaller sprocket of the gear cluster to a larger sprocket results in a downshift. Moving
the chain from a smaller sprocket on the chain rings to a larger sprocket results in what is called an “upshift”. In order for the derailleur to move the
chain from one sprocket to another, the rider must be pedalling forward.
Which Gear Should I Be In?
The combination of largest rear and smallest front gears is for the steepest hills. The smallest rear and largest front combination is for the great-
est 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 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. Learn how to anticipate the need to
shift, and shift tot a lower gear before the hill gets too steep. If you have difficulties with shifting, the problem could be mechanical adjustment. See your
dealer for help.
How an Internal Gear Hub Drive Train Works
If your bicycle has an internal gear hub drive train, the gear changing mechanism will consist of
•
A 3, 5, 7, 8 speed internal gear hub
•
One or sometimes two shifters
•
One or two central cables
•
One front sprocket called a chain ring
•
A drive train
Shifting Internal Gear Hub Gears
Shifting with an internal gear hub drive train 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.
Which Gear Should I Be In?
The numerically lowest gear (1) is for the steepest hills. The numerically largest gear (3, 5, 7 or 12 depending on the number of speeds of your hub) is
for the greatest speed.
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