How to Shift a Road Bike Without Shifters on the Brakes

Modern road bikes have integrated shifter/brake handles. This means that the brake handle is also the shifter. But it hasn't always been this way. Before integrated handles were developed, road bikes used mechanical friction lever shifters located on the bike's top tube just below the handlebars. There are still lots of older bikes out there with these types of shifters. The problem with them is that you have to take your hands off the handlebars to shift the bike.

Things You'll Need

  • Road bike with friction shifters
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit on the bike. Put your feet on the pedals and your hands on the handlebars. Look straight down. You will see two identical levers, one on each side of the top tube across from each other.

    • 2

      Push the bike forward and begin pedaling. Reach down and pull up on the left hand lever. If it is already in the upright position, then push down on it. Listen to the chain; you will be able to hear it chatter as it changes gears on the front of the bike. If it continues chattering, push it farther until you feel the bike shift, and it becomes quiet.

    • 3

      Push down or pull up on the lever to shift gears on the front of the bike. There are only two or three gears on the front. If you get confused about which gear you are in, look down at your chain and front sprockets. Pull or push the lever to move the chain up or down the gears as you watch.

    • 4

      Push or pull up on the lever on the right side of the top tube. Listen as the chain chatters. Pull or push the lever until the bike shifts and is quiet. Push the lever all the way down parallel with the top tube to shift into high gear.

    • 5

      Pull up on the lever a little at a time. You will hear and feel the bike shift into separate, lower gears as you pull the lever up. Push down slowly and feel the bike shift into higher gears one by one as you ease the lever down.