Maintenance
Shift System - continued
CAUTION: Do not force the shift levers. Shift only when pedaling forward and without strong force. Do not backpedal. Backpedaling can cause the chain to come off the sprockets. Backpedaling and shifting while not pedaling can damage the sprockets and stretch the cable wire.
There is no “correct gear” in which to ride the bicycle. The “correct gear” is the one that is comfortable to you.
To select a gear or sprocket combination while riding:
1.While pedaling, shift the chain onto different front and rear sprocket combina- tions.
2.You will feel a difference in the rhythm and ease of pedaling.
3.Shift the chain to the gear that allows you to pedal at a rhythm and effort that is comfortable to you.
4.When riding uphill or against the wind, you may wish to keep the chain on the smallest front sprocket (A) and shift the chain on the rear sprocket cluster (B).
BA
C
fig 16
These are the lower gear combinations.
They allow you to pedal easier and at a faster rhythm, but with less distance traveled per pedal revolution.
For the best performance in this case, do not use the smallest rear sprocket (C).
When riding downhill or with the wind, you may wish to keep the chain on the largest front sprocket (D) and shift the chain on the rear sprocket cluster.
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