Owner's manual

Use 5
53
53
Figure 5.2
GEAR OPERATION
Mul speed bicycles can have internal or derailleur gear
systems.
Important! Best pracces for proper shiing:
• Pedal the bicycle with lile pressure on the pedals, and move
the shier one gear at a me, ensuring that the chain is fully
engaged in that gear before applying more pressure on the
pedals.
• For bicycles with 3 front chain rings; avoid “Cross Chaining”,
which is the posion when the chain is in the smallest cog in
the rear combined with the inner or smallest chain ring in the
front, or the largest cog in the rear and the outer or largest
chain ring in the front. These gear posions put the chain at
the most extreme angle and can cause premature wear to
the drivetrain. Bicycles with 3 front chain rings have enough
gear “overlaps” that these gears are not needed. Figure 5.2
• It is OK to ride the whole me in only one gear if this is
comfortable.
• Shi only while pedaling forward and seated. When shiing,
lessen the pressure exerted on the pedals during the shi.
• Once you have successfully shied gears, it is OK to start to
pedal hard if desired.
• Pedaling hard while shiing can cause the chain to skip and
not engage the appropriate gear.
• Backpedaling should be avoided on derailleur bikes because
the chain can jam and cause the bike to become unstable.
See Secon 4: Adjusng the Derailleur for further
informaon on proper gear adjustment.
Improper shiing can result in the chain jamming, or becoming
derailed resulng in loss of control, serious injury or death
Always be sure the chain is fully engaged in the desired gear
before pedaling hard. Avoid shiing while standing up on the
pedals or under load.
WARNING!
Avoid these extreme angles of the chain
Three chain rings