brad3104

Hey so not only am I new to road bikes...but I haven't been on a bike in over 10 years, except a 30 miles ride last weekend on my uncles bike. Today this bike I ordered arrived https://www.rei.com/outlet/product/780687

I feel like a complete newbie especially about the shifting. When I was playing around with the bike this morning before work...I was trying out the gears. Anytime I shift to a harder gear in the back it goes very smoothly as it can only shift 1 gear at a time. Then when i use the thumb shifter and press it all the way in...it will go several gears at once to an easier gear smoothly. However, if im trying to get just 1 easier gear at a time by pressing my thumb part of the way in...i couldnt seem to get the bike to shift 100% smoothly....as it would make a very slight noise in the chain area while continuing to peddle. Is shifting 1 easier gear at a time by pressing the thumb slightly in something that I just have to get use to with practice? or is there an adjustment that needs to be made?

Again sorry for the newbie question. And Hi to everyone as this is my first post

Joseph Vigue

This is the bike I started with https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...archive/7200fx and I had the same problem with my shifters. They are not rapid fire like yours but eventually I got used to it and was able to shift 1,2,or 3 gears easier depending on the amount I pushed in the shifter. Give it time and you'll be fine. If you are like me though you'll be looking to upgrade to a full road bike in a year or two. Enjoy.

TriEngineer

Keep in mind, these are Rapidfire Plus, which are really monsters. They tried to emulate Sram shifters and the downshift is push or pull actuated.

Metzinger

I'd bet that you need to wind out the barrel adjuster on the derailleur or shifter a turn or so. A common issue with new bikes as the cables stretch a bit.
Read this if you're interested in learning.
Or take it to a shop for minor adjustments like these.