How do I shift up?
 

Ok so I just got a Dawes that has the shifter included in the brake unit and for the life of my, I can't shift to a higher gear! the lever allows me only to push down so I'm on the lowest gear. Can anyone tell me how I would be able to shift the other way???

Can you tell us what brand of shifter you have? Is it Campagnolo or Shimano? If Shimano, is it Sora or Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace? Also, what do you consider as shifting up or shifting down? Generally speaking, down-shifting causes the bike to be easier to pedal (pedalling with lighter force) and up-shifting causes it to be harder to pedal. I only ask because some people have the notions backwards.

If you've got what I'm imagining, then push the brake lever sideways to shift the other direction. That baffled the hell out of me the first time I saw that type of shifter.

On the shimano Sora stuff, pressing the grey shifting lever moves to smaller cogs, and pushing the brake lever to the side moves to larger cogs.

peace,
sam

PS Once you figure it out, it'll make a lot of sense. When you are riding up on the hoods of the brake levers, your thumbs operate the shift lever, and your fingers pull in to brake, and push toward the center of the bike to shift the other direction. Very handy, not much to think about. :)

peace,
sam

you are absolutely amazing! Thanks so much. By the way, how'd you figure it out?? I don't think I ever would have.

I asked my friend at the bike shop.

Hey, Molley . . .

Did the bike shop spend some time with you, ensuring that the handlebars and seat were adjusted properly for your riding style, and showing you how all of the gidgy-gadgets work?

A good bike shop would. You may want to ask....

Happy riding!

Neil

I just played around with it until I figured it out accidentally.. But yeah, a good bike shop should give you the full run-down on how everything works and make sure it is properly adjusted. If they didn't know you were a newbie, they may not have thought to do it. You might ask them about it if you want.

Glad its working out for you! Now get out there and ride. :D

peace,
sam

How can you not know how to work STI, it even has a manual...

Maunals/instuctions seem to get used for buttwipe,and not knowing how sti/ergo works seems to be a pretty common syndrome.

Also, the bike could have been used or a hand-me-down or something. And yes, I know that the Shimano instructions can be obtained from their website but not everyone knows that. And not everyone even knows which manual to even look for.

Yeah, how would you possibly not know that the thing hanging off your bars is a 2004 Shimanagnolo 1056 Ergo-Sora Neuvo-Ace XTRLX Brifter/shifter w/ DeluXe Hood and Ergo-matic FlightDeck(TM) Control-Twist Action??!?!?

Of course, if its the 2005 version, then everything about it is different.

No, I understand how manuals could mean very little in this circumstance, particularly if its a used or second hand bike. How the heck would you know what it is? If you aren't used to the terminology, then all the model numbers and brand names in the world won't show you how to ride your bike. There are so many varieties, all different, even within manufacturers, model lines, or even years. With time you get used to it all, but it can be pretty baffling the first time you look at it all.

peace,
sam

Thank goodness for bikeforums! I felt like a complete imbecile when I received my bike in the mail and couldn't shift it.

I have never ridden STI, but don't be so hard on yourself... You could shift!


Well, it was only one direction, but still you were half way there!