How to Use a Down Tube Shifter

Road and touring bicycles were commonly equipped with down tube shifters through the early 1990s, after which the integrated shifter and brake lever designs became the norm. Down tube shifters offer light weight, simplicity and crash protection, but they are more cumbersome and less ergonomic than the integrated shifters that replaced them. Down tube shifters offer a nostalgic riding experience that reminds you how far the industry has come, in terms of ergonomic design and technical advancement.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pedal your bicycle to keep the chain moving as you engage your shift. The chain will not jump from gear to gear without the movement of the chain, but ease off from full force pedaling in order to reduce stress on the chain during the shifting process.

    • 2

      Use the right shifter to toggle between rear cogs. Push down on the right down tube shifter to move your rear derailleur to a smaller cog, which is a harder pedaling gear. Conversely, pulling up on the right shifter moves the rear derailleur up to a larger cog, or easier pedaling gear.

    • 3

      Shift the left down tube shifter to make larger, terrain-induced changes, such as when you are alternating between downhill and uphill sections. Push down on the left down tube shifter to toggle the front derailleur to the smaller chain ring, or pull up on it to shift to the larger front chain ring for downhill or sprinting sections.