General Cycling Discussion - HELP How do I shift?????

I just bought a bike that has Shimano Ultegra 8 Speed Bar-end Shifters on it. When the prior owner asked if I knew how to use them, I of course said yes....not thinking it would be hard at all. :rolleyes: Anyway, I went for a ride and was able to shift to the smallest sproket in the front and back. But now, I can't figure out how to Up Shift again.

you move the shifters the opposite direction you moved them to go to the smaller cogs...just so you know small front cog + small back cog = bad, unless it's a compact crankset.

I just checked the bike and the selectors only appear to move downward. Does that make sense at all?

No. LoL. Not in the least, take it to your LBS, or just quit cycling.

Find a friend to help you (preferably somebody who rides, but doesn't have to be). Hold the rear wheel off the ground and have your friend pedal with his hand. (Gears won't work unless the pedals are moving forward.) At the same time, fool around with the shifters and watch what happens to the chain. Pretty soon you will have some understanding of how your gears work.

Then hop on the bike and practice riding and shifting in a safe and non-stressful location. You'll get the hang of it pretty quick.

Just keep telling yourself, "If a 12 year old can do this, I can too!"

You'd want to hold the clutch down, give it some gas, then shift, and ease the clutch back in.

start pumping some iron.....

You'd want to hold the clutch down, give it some gas, then shift, and ease the clutch back in.
Damnit, I knew it. I'm not shifting properly. Wait where is the clutch again on speclialized Allez? :p

Damnit, I knew it. I'm not shifting properly. Wait where is the clutch again on speclialized Allez? :p

It's the left lever on your handle bar. Pull that, then click your left foot up to shift up, click it down to shift down, if you want to stop, bring it all the way down then give it a half click up. :p