How to Shift a Derailleur in a Shimano Ultegra

Shimano produces multiple lines of bicycle components, including Ultegra. Ultegra components partly include a set of dual-purpose hand controls and a front and rear derailleur. Each hand control operates braking and gear shifting for one end of the bike. When gears are shifted, the hand control uses a cable to force the derailleur mechanism to pivot and shift the chain to the next gear. Achieving precise shifting requires know-how and a little practice.

Instructions

  1. Front Ultegra Derailleur Control

    • 1

      Take the bicycle in an area free of cars and obstacles, such as an open parking lot. Concentration is required when learning to use Ultegra shifters or any other type of bicycle shifter.

    • 2

      Mount the bicycle and rest both hands on the proper Ultegra hand control. The left-hand control operates the front derailleur. The right-hand control operates the rear derailleur.

    • 3

      Start pedaling, smoothly and evenly. While pedaling is crucial to propelling the bicycle forward, it is also necessary when shifting the derailleur. Pedaling forces the chain to rotate. The chain must rotate before it can transfer to another gear.

    • 4

      Push the outside right Shimano Ultegra lever in toward the bicycle. The rear derailleur will shift the chain to a smaller rear gear.

    • 5

      Push the inside right Shimano Ultegra lever in toward the bicycle. The rear derailleur will shift the chain to a larger rear gear.

    Rear Ultegra Derailleur Control

    • 6

      Push the outside left Shimano Ultegra lever in toward the bicycle. The front derailleur will shift the chain to larger front gear.

    • 7

      Push the inside left Shimano Ultegra lever in toward the bicycle. The front derailleur will shift the chain to a smaller front gear.

    • 8

      Use the front and rear Ultregra hand controls interchangeably. For small changes in gearing, using the rear control. For larger changes, choose the front control. A smaller gear causes the bicycle to travel a shorter distance per pedal stroke but also requires less energy to use. A larger gear requires greater effort but in turn causes the bicycle to travel farther per pedal stroke.