Operation Manual

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10.2 Multi-speed hubs - internal
gear hubs
Two advantages of multi-speed hubs are
their enclosed design and the fact that you
can switch up to 14 gears on the same lever.
Beside this, the chain lasts a lot longer than
with derailleur gears, provided it is taken
care of.
Multi-speed hubs from Shimano are avail-
able with a free-wheel, i.e. the wheel hub is
combined with a hand activated V-brake or
roller-brake, and with integrated drum-brake,
the so-called back-pedal-brake. The latter is
activated by pedalling backwards. The best
braking power is achieved with the pedals on
a horizontal level and in low gears.
Multi speed hubs from SRAM are available
with a free-wheel, i.e. the wheel hub is com-
bined with a hand activated V-brake or drum
brake, and with integrated drum brake, the
so-called back-pedal brake. The latter is acti-
vated by pedalling backwards. The best brak-
ing power is achieved with the pedals on a
horizontal level and in low gears.
10. The gears
Twist grips from SRAM: When shifting gears,
the bike should roll without being driven for-
ward, i.e. do not move the pedals for a short
moment.
10.2.1 How they work and how to
use them
Internal gear hubs are equipped with a shift
lever or thumb switch for changing gears as
well as with an indicator showing the current
gear. Depending on the type of hub, you can
either continue pedalling without load on the
pedal while shifting gears, or you have to
free-wheel. For more information, read the
operating instructions for your gears or ask
your MERIDA dealer. In any case, make sure
changing gears makes as little noise as pos-
sible.
Twist grips of a Shimano Nexus hub: switch-
ing gears is better while pedalling. But for
jerk-free and noiseless gear changing, you
need to reduce the pedal power.
Practise switching gears in a place clear of
traffic until you are familiar with the function-
ing of the levers or twist grips.