I recently purchased a used Schwinn Highplains bike, but do not know how to use the thumb shifters. Are their any manuals or printed directions to help me with the SEQUENCE in changing gears? I do know that the left shifters are for the front 3 gears, and the right shifters are for the rear gears. I also know the chain needs to be straight and toward the inside for easier riding. But when to push the shifters, and how?
OK, for a beginner in the world of 18 speed bikes, put the chain on the big sprocket up front, it should be about 46 teeth, make sure it is center and doesn't make noise, if it does, adjust it just a hair either way, now, the rear, put the chain on the big sprocket in the rear, make sure the front didn't start making noise, if it did, adjust it again. You are now ready to take off, in low gear, as you start out, it is easy to pedal, soon you will be peddling air, shift into second gear in the rear only, don't touch the front. Just a little push with the thumb will make it shift, now were going faster, easy peddling, shift into 3rd, then 4th, etc, coming to a stop, down shift the back sprocket back into low gear (big sprocket) and be ready to take off again. Soon you will be shifting that thing like a Ferrari! The front sprocket, will be used for moderate terrain, wheelies, and mountain climbing, that will come later, learn how to shift the rear first. As each gear climaxes, hit the shifter, it will get smoother as you go, and keep the chain quiet, no climbing on the next sprocket or falling out of gear. Hope this helps.
1,469 views
Usually answered in minutes!
×