Re: oops - take two Another curiosity question

[Tom Weaver]

Tom Weaver wrote:

> While riding on Cape Cod this weekend, my co-star came up with an
> interesting (to me) question: Why do the front and rear shifters work
> opposite to each other? Further explanation. We both have Ultegra
> integrated shifters. On the right (REAR), clicking the larger shifter
> moves the chain to a larger ring closer to the frame. On the left
> (FRONT), clicking the larger lever moves the chain to a larger ring that
> is further from the frame.
>
> Why don't both larger levers move the chain the same direction?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tom Weaver


Long day and got the front and rear reversed. No wonder it was
confusing. Apologies

 

[Bad Idea]

> Tom Weaver wrote:
> >
> > Why don't both larger levers move the chain the same direction?
> >


To amplify Leo's response a little (and with exceptions noted), the
difference is fundamentally based on the fact that higher, harder gears
are larger drive sprockets and smaller driven sprockets.