Road Cycling - Specialized Allez 04 help

Hello,
I bought myself the bike above yesterday. I decided I would like to get into road racing, so I got the cheapest budget racer I could get!
Now the thing is I haven't ridden a bike in years, which I don't care about, because I am an eager learner.
However, I do not know how to downshift, only upshift! I have 2 shift levers on my handlebars, one for the 2 derailleurs, and one on the right for the 9 gears!
Can anyone offer some help?

Hello,
I bought myself the bike above yesterday. I decided I would like to get into road racing, so I got the cheapest budget racer I could get!
Now the thing is I haven't ridden a bike in years, which I don't care about, because I am an eager learner.
However, I do not know how to downshift, only upshift! I have 2 shift levers on my handlebars, one for the 2 derailleurs, and one on the right for the 9 gears!
Can anyone offer some help?



LOL You might should have asked before you bought. But move the brake handles inward to "reset" the derailleurs.

Why did 8 others view this and not offer some help?

Probably cause they are laughing :P
So If I just press the brake handles inwards, toward me whilst cycling, that should reset them?

Don't pull them "toward you" that makes you brake (stop). Let's talk about the right lever. the lever has two parts you need to push the longer lever to the left or toward the other brake lever. That will move you one, two or three gears (depends how far you push it) and gets you to the larger gear (easier). If you push the shorter part of the lever to the left you will get one gear smaller (faster or harder).

For the left shifter you do the same but you push toward the right.

I hope this helps. It is much easier to show then write...LOL

Probably cause they are laughing :P
So If I just press the brake handles inwards, toward me whilst cycling, that should reset them?


I agree it was hard to write the reply I was laughing so hard but hey we were all Newbies at one point.

Just stand and be counted....NOOB and proud!


enjoy the ride!

Okay thanks for your help guys.
Unfortunately all your lingo is catching me out, and even though there are only 4 levers/switches to choose from altogether, I STILL switch gears downwards :( .
So I decided to take a pic of one of the sides of the handlebar.
Pleae take a look, and even edit if you can, in order to help me.
http://img22.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img22&image=handlebar.jpg
You can hose an edit here for free: http://imageshack.us/index3.php
Thanks very much!

The brake lever itself is a shifter. Move it in the same direction as you would the smaller shifter behind it. You will find that it causes you to downshift (makes it easier to pedal as Dusk noted).

Moving the smaller shifter causes you to upshift as you found out.

My advice is, go back to the shop where you bought the bike, and have them explain everything about it to you. Not just shifting, but basic maintenance too. If they won't spend the time with you, go to another local bike shop who will. (And maybe buy an accesory there as thanks)

Phredd

Yeah I think I will be going back soon phredd
Anyway thanks for the help guys, I did what you said today, and yes, the brake needs to be turned inwards in order to downshift!! I am absolutely delighted now, cause I can now cycle to the max!
Anyway once again thanks for all your help. 'Tis a good place to go for help it seems ;)

Glad we could help. Find someone at the shop or another rider to help you understand more. You do need to be be able to fix a flat if you're going to start riding longer.

Cheers!

I recently upgraded from an old hybrid to the Allez, and I really love the
indexed shifters and really like them when I'm accelerating into a hill on a curve, no more reaching down and risking a pavement experience. Get comfortable and
get out on the roads with that bike.

a.c.