Learning how to fix a bicycle gear shift can help you improve your bicycle skill and make your ride more enjoyable. Your bicycle gear shift is one of the most important parts, if not the most important part of a bicycle. If it is broken, then you cannot ride your bicycle. However, if it is poorly adjust, then you might have a hard time riding it. There can even by safety concerns if it is poorly adjust. Therefore, for your recreational enjoyment and safety, this article will guide you through the process of fixing a bicycle gear shift.
- Learn the basics. If you do not know the basics of a bicycle gear shift, then you cannot go on fixing it. On a typical bicycle, there are three gears at the pedal, and five to eight more at the back wheel. On a modern bicycle, the combination of bicycle gear shifts can easily go over 20. Learning this will help you diagnose what problem you have, and where that problem is.
- Adjust your gear shifter. There are two basic kinds of bicycle gear shifter these days, the lever shifter and the grip shifter. In principle, the mechanical function of them are the exact the same. The only difference is the style. If you are having a hard time changing the shifter while riding, then you should check if this is the problem.
- Check the cable. Cables are the arteries of the bicycle. They are used to connect just about everything on the bicycle. They may be thinned and rusted over time. So, it is important that you check on them to make sure that they are still in workable condition.
- Adjust the front and back derailleur. Derailleur is the components that derail the chain from one sprocket to another. There is a front detailer as well as a back derailleur. There are typically three adjustment screws. You can adjust them to a comfortable position.
When fixing a bicycle gear shift, make sure that you are not limited to just the basics. It may need oil in certain areas rather than a simple adjustment. Consult with a manual if you are unsure about certain parts of your bicycle.