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1st time using a racing bike: Help needed

  • 29-05-2009 7:27pm
    #1
    that dude
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27 ✭


    Right.. be gentle, I have never ridden nor seen a racing bike in person until today so I am a complete noob when it comes to them. I'm having problems changing gears.. :( Anyone care to explain how the thumb-shifters work to change gears? (They don't click into place or anything, when I push them down they just spring back up)
    Some one please shed some light...


Comments

  • #2
    DirkVoodoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,505 ✭✭✭✭DirkVoodoo


    Push harder. Do you know what type of shifters you have? What type of bike is it.

    Road bike is generally preferred to "racer", don't ask me why.


  • #3
    72hundred
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,333 ✭✭✭72hundred


    Hi,

    First the basics (for Shimano).

    Left controls the front gears.

    The thumb switch will swap it into a smaller front ring - easier for you to pedal.
    The brake handle when pushed to the middle will shift to a big front - harder for you to pedal.


    Right controls the back gears.

    The thumb switch will swap it into a smaller back ring - harder for you to pedal.
    The brake handle when pushed to the middle will shift to a big back ring - easier for you to pedal.


    It this doesn't work on the bike it could just be in need of a little tune.


  • #4
    that dude
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27 ✭that dude


    I just read this off the bike now but it says: Ventura, Vitesse, Race Series - AL 6061

    If i push em down harder I'll probably snap 'em off. I tried them moving obviously but im clueless. I haven't even got it to change any gear yet...


  • #5
    that dude
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27 ✭that dude


    http://www.jensonusa.com/product/sl/SL400B01BLK__8____DOUB.jpg

    These are the breaks on it, you can't see the shifters from that view but they're small silver levers u push down.

    I rented this bike, and as it being my first time using a 'road' bike i don't know if its a problem or me.. when i push down those shifters/levers none of the wires gain tesion/loose tension going towards the gears....?


  • #6
    niceonetom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,833 ✭✭✭niceonetom


    pdf from the manufacturer should help.


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  • #7
    that dude
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27 ✭that dude


    aha! wow... i feel like an idiot now.. its so simple, altho its going to take a while to get used to. Thanks guys. an admin can delete this.

    Cheers


  • #8
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    I can assure you, you are not the first person starting with a road bike to not know how STI shifters worked, I know I didn't. Push the f'ing brake lever sideways is not exactly intutive to one unaccustomed :) Enjoy the bike.


  • #9
    Explosive_Cornflake
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,133 ✭✭✭Explosive_Cornflake


    DirkVoodoo wrote: »
    Push harder. Do you know what type of shifters you have? What type of bike is it.

    Road bike is generally preferred to "racer", don't ask me why.

    I'd say it's because Racer[Raleigh] is like sellotape, and Road bike is like sticky tape.


  • #10
    cyclopath2001
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,359 ✭✭✭cyclopath2001


    DirkVoodoo wrote: »
    bike is generally preferred to "racer", don't ask me why.
    Racers are ridden by 'cyclers'.

    Road bikes are ridden by road men (and women).


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