Dumb question re shifters - help!

[jeffatcal]

I'm just buying a new road bike after many many years of riding a "classic," ie, "old" bike, with shift levers on the down tube. My dumb question is this: How do the shift levers on the handlebars (behind the break levers) work? I don't want to embarrass myself. :eek: Thanks!

[bikeguy2004]

The levers move sideways, left and right. Try them while you are riding and pedaling, and you will understand.

[serenaslu]

I'm just buying a new road bike after many many years of riding a "classic," ie, "old" bike, with shift levers on the down tube. My dumb question is this: How do the shift levers on the handlebars (behind the break levers) work? I don't want to embarrass myself. :eek: Thanks!
For a concise explanation of the operation of Shimano STI levers see:
http://bike.shimano.com/media/cycling/techdocs/en/bikecomponents/ST/SI-st6600_v2_m56577569830537931.pdf

For the same for Campagnolo Ergopower see:
http://www.campagnolo.com/pdf/ERGOPOWER.pdf
(see manual page 32-32 (pdf page 17))

[boudreaux]

The levers move sideways, left and right. Try them while you are riding and pedaling, and you will understand.You obviously don't. :rolleyes:

[dfvcad]

the left hand is for the front derrailleur and the right for the rear. The small lever on the right moves your gears down while the brake lever moves them up to a lighter/higher gear. Bottom line the lever move from right to right to left. Its pretty simple.

[boudreaux]

the left hand is for the front derrailleur and the right for the rear. The small lever on the right moves your gears down while the brake lever moves them up to a lighter/higher gear. Bottom line the lever move from right to right to left. Its pretty simple.you obviously dont either...lol... :rolleyes: How about Campy too while you fumbling around? What about sora shifters?

[boudreaux]

I'm just buying a new road bike after many many years of riding a "classic," ie, "old" bike, with shift levers on the down tube. My dumb question is this: How do the shift levers on the handlebars (behind the break levers) work? I don't want to embarrass myself. :eek: Thanks!Assuming you are buying it from a shop,and assuming it's populated by something above nose picker,have them show you. New bikes also come with owners manuals.