Road Cycling - How do you change gear?

Seems like a simple question but one of my cycling friends noticed that I change (using downtube levers) with my right hand all the time. i.e, to change the cog ratio I reach to the right hand lever, and to change chainring I reach through the frame with my right hand (or rest my forefinger on the down tube and use my thumb)to move the left lever.

I must admit I haven't ever thought about using my left hand to use the chainring lever, but on the Flying Scot, I notice that when using my right hand, the pump peg on the downtube (and pump if carried) gets in the way.

Does anyone else use both left and right hands (at different times obviously)

it feels strange to use my left hand.

Ah, heck. Do what is more comfortable for you. Most riders feel more confident steering with one hand than the other. You probably just feel more comfortable using your right hand for shifting.

If it works, do it.

On the 2 downtube-shifter bike I own (one indexed, one friction), I do most of my cog/ring changing with my left hand. Only occasionally do I use the right hand to change a cog, usually only on the indexed bike.

I usually use my right hand for both d/t levers.
I have perfected the double change, so I go from middle /cog 1 to granny/cog2 in one smoothe action, by pressing the levers together. It is a lot more positive and quicker than using my camy ergolevers.

I usually use my right hand for both d/t levers.
I have perfected the double change, so I go from middle /cog 1 to granny/cog2 in one smoothe action, by pressing the levers together. It is a lot more positive and quicker than using my camy ergolevers.
For adjusting for chain rub, I usually use my left hand.

Strange, but I use both. I do find it easier to adjust
front for chain rub with left, it just feels right (no pun intended!).

When I first began riding I used my right hand for both sides.
Some time later, on a ride, I noticed that I was now using R/R-L/L method. I can't remember consciously switching, it just happened naturally.

Also, I've noticed that I will use either hand to reach for, drink from, and replace my water bottle.

Hi folks
I find I use both hands. Is that because Iride both a road bike and a mtn bike?

The intersting modification to the question would be "do you use one hand - is it your master hand"

Of course - do what feels right.

Joe

Originally posted by joeprim
I find I use both hands. Is that because Iride both a road bike and a mtn bike?

The intersting modification to the question would be "do you use one hand - is it your master hand"


For the record, I am a fairly ambidextrous lefty. I connect my brakes left front / right rear and brake primarily, sometimes exclusively, with the left hand. Although I generally operate each (downtube) lever with the respective hand, I do reach through from the right to drop to a smaller chainring while braking or while performing a double-shift (up one or two cogs in back, down one ring in front).

down-tube shift levers?

what's them then?


cabledonut.

Originally posted by cabledonut
down-tube shift levers?

what's them then?


cabledonut.

Now you're making me feel old :)

I'd like to se sti or gripshift or rapid fire or whatever the new deal is give 20 years of service with only minor adjustment (as my campag record levers have)

I'd like to see sti or gripshift or rapid fire or whatever the new deal is give 20 years of service with only minor adjustment (as my campag record levers have)

I have to agree with you there. I'm using 19 year old campy
bits. When I bought the bike used last year it was rideable without even needing adjustment. I'd like to see how well STI or Ergo for that matter functions after 20 odd years.


Marty

My local bike shop let me go through boxes of old shifters when fitting out my commuter. I picked out some old Shimano 600, the 1970s style with intricate mouldings, to remind me of my very first proper bike.
Is there much difference between different friction levers? Will an "upgrade" to Campy make them work better, or is it just a matter of aesthetics.

Originally posted by MichaelW
Is there much difference between different friction levers? Will an "upgrade" to Campy make them work better, or is it just a matter of aesthetics.

I think the function is probably the same though I think Campag probably have very tight machining tolerances. I have (for the time being) Shimano d/t shifters on the Flying Scot and they just don't feel the same

Largely I love campag because it looks great and feels great to use. (Almost like a B& O music system)