Complete Rookie....please help

[sixpot]

Hi there

Picked up my new road bike today which has Shimano STI shifters and I cannot for the life of me get it to change gear. Never owned a modern road bike before, so it's all new to me and the guy at Evans just seemed to want to get rid of me. The chain is basically on the smallest two cogs. Whatever I do it doesn't change. Please tell me where I'm going wrong.

Thanks in advance

Yours embarrassed sixpot

[itsnotarace]

With Tiagra and upwards push your entire left hand brake lever inwards, including the smaller lever. The whole unit swings in together. To change back, push the smaller lever inwards by itself.

[sixpot]

itsnotarace said:

With Tiagra and upwards push your entire left hand brake lever inwards, including the smaller lever. The whole unit swings in together. To change back, push the smaller lever inwards by itself.

Thank you. I would never have found that, felt so stupid, but just couldn't work it out. New fangled things eh. That's why I love PH. Got my answer within 5 mins when I've been searching web and trying to work it out all night.

[itsnotarace]

No worries! My last road bike had downtube shifters too.

It will all become second nature after a while. I'd always advise to ease off putting power through the pedals a fraction when changing gears and also try and avoid large sweeps up and down multiple gears. One at a time is much kinder on the chain and rings. Lastly, anticipation is key and will help you not get stuck on a hill in too large a gear.

Have fun. What bike did you get?

[AVeryNaughtyBoy]

Too late.

Wrote a whole guide but someone called round before I clicked submit.

Glad you are sorted.

[sixpot]

Thanks guys

Really apprecite the advice. I bought a GT Series 4. I'm looking forward to getting into it now. No doubt I'll be calling by again soon to ask some equally stupid questions

Thanks again


Sixpot