Owner's Manual

10
Cable tension adjustment
In time if your gears do not operate smoothly, it may be that your gear cables have stretched out a
bit and need adjustment.
You can adjust the tension for the front and rear gear cables by using the in-line barrel adjusters
situated on the gear pods (Rapid-fires) or on the down tube (road STI’s).
Further detailed instructions on gear and derailleur adjustments can be found in the supplied
manufacturers component instruction manuals.
Derailleur gear changing
The rider’s left gear lever controls the front derailleur.
The right gear lever controls the rear derailleur.
The large rear sprockets generate low gears for hill climbing. The small rear sprockets enable high
gear ratios for speed and downhill riding.
The small front chain ring produces low gear ratios while the larger front chain rings produce higher
gear ratios.
To operate your derailleur gear system efficiently thus reducing damage, wear and keeping noise to
a minimum, avoid using the maximum crossover gear ratios of large chain ring/large rear sprocket
and small chain ring/small rear sprocket.
NB: For positive gear selection, observe these four precautions:
1. Change only when pedals and wheels are moving in a forward motion.
2. Reduce pedal pressure while changing gears.
3. Never back pedal when changing gear.
4. Never force the gear levers.
Gear selection should be made in anticipation of need since forward motion of the bicycle is
required.
It is advisable to change to a low gear before stopping in order to be in the proper gear when you
start up.
On hills, change gear early while still maintaining forward speed.