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How do you use a lever shifter?

Published in Bike Shifting 1 min read

Using a lever shifter, commonly found on mountain and hybrid bikes, is straightforward. The primary action involves shifting gears using paddles operated by your thumb.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Locate the Shifters: Most bikes with flat handlebars have shifters positioned near the hand grips.
  • Identify the Paddles: You'll typically find two paddles on each shifter. One paddle shifts to a higher gear (making pedaling harder but going faster), and the other shifts to a lower gear (making pedaling easier, good for hills).
  • Engage the Shift: Push the lever sideways until you hear a click. This click indicates that the gear has successfully changed.
  • Practice: Get comfortable shifting through the gears while riding on a flat, safe surface. Pay attention to how the different gears affect your pedaling effort and speed.

In summary, lever shifters are used by pushing the lever sideways until you hear a click to change gears, enabling you to adapt to varying terrains and desired speeds.