How do I work the gears on my new bicycle? | Biking | Forum

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How do I work the gears on my new bicycle?

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S.I.N.K.Camper

706 Posts

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August 20, 2012 - 9:55 pm

I just got a new, and as inexpensive as they come, hybrid bicycle. It's got 21 gears, but I can't really work them. There's three on the left, and 7 on the right. I know I'm supposed to pedal when switching gears, and I can get to most of the 7 gears on the right when the three is on the left, but when I switch to 2 on the left, the gears don't switch all the way... and it feels like I'm pedaling nothing and the chain makes noises 😮 I keep meaning to try to read the book to see if I can solve it myself, but haven't had a chance yet.
What am I doing wrong?

Thanks for any help!

Shellback

37 Posts

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August 21, 2012 - 5:58 pm

If you bought it from a bicycle dealer, take it back and have them adjust it. My son worked at a bike shop and they are very sensitive to being adjusted properly. If you bought it from a chain store, they probably don't have anyone experienced enough to do the proper adjustment. You may have to pay someone to set it up properly.

S.I.N.K.Camper

706 Posts

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August 21, 2012 - 9:10 pm

So you think it's not just a user issue? My last bikes gears were broken for years, so I really don't know what I'm doing.

Shellback

37 Posts

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August 22, 2012 - 9:38 am

I've fixed my own stuff for many years, and sometimes you need that professional advise. I would lean towards it being an equipment problem versus user problem. You shouldn't need to be a rocket scientist to shift gears on a bike.

HVhifi

16 Posts

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August 22, 2012 - 1:00 pm

Your not doing anything wrong. It sounds like the front derailleur needs adjusting. It moves the chain left and right allowing it to jump gears. It is not very hard to adjust, usually a couple small hex keys but don't mess if your not mechanically inclined. Not a pricey adjustment usually.

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