How do I use a top (thumb)shifter?

Question

I just inherited a 21 speed hybrid bicycle made in 1994. I have not been bike riding in years and that was on my 10 speed bike from high school. This bike has a 21 speed thumb shifter that I don't quite know how to use well. I understand the 21 gears, bit the R shifter has 2 shifters, one for the 7 gears and another for I don't know what. I am well aware this is not a bike for a novice, but I like it and would love to use it. I had it tuned up and was told it's in amazing condition. Can anyone help explain the shifting to me???

Answer 1

The shifters on the left handlebar shifts the 3 chainring gears (the ones at your pedals).  The index finger shifter shifts down to lower gears (less pedaling resistance), the thumb shifter shifts up to higher gears (more pedaling resistance).

The shifters on the right handlebar shifts the 7 hub gears (the cluster of 7 gears at the back wheel of your bike).  The index finger shifts up to higher gears (more pedaling resistance), the thumb shifter shifts down to lower gears (less pedaling resistance).

I know it's a bit confusing, but you will get used to it after a few learning rides.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I'll give you a general answer here...

First, keep in mind that you must be pedalling FORWARD when you shift.

The shifter on the left is to control the 3 ranges of speeds the bike has. It probably has 1-2-3 or H-L on it. 1 or L is going to be the easiest pedalling, while 3 or H will be the hardest pedalling. This shifter controls the 3 sprockets- called chainrings- on the crank (at the pedals). Think of this shifter as selecting the channel on a TV without being able to fine tune it.

The shifter to the right is to control the 7 gears in the back. Again, it may be marked with 1 through 7 or with H and L. Position 1 or L will be the easiest pedalling and 7 or H will be the hardest, with the remaining numbers or space being variants, allowing easier or harder pedalling until you reach one limit or another. Think of this shifter as the fine tuner on a TV.

In usage, start with "2" on the left and "3" on the right- make sure that you are pedalling forward and shifting one side at a time. If it is too easy to pedal, move the right shifter until it becomes more comfortable to pedal. If you reach "7" and it is still too shift back to "3" and move the left shifter to "3". Get the idea? This is way complicated to explain and I hope it doesn't confuse you.

It is probably best to experiment a bit... you'll get the hang of it quickly.

EDIT: You mean there is a thumb shifter to push forward and another to shift back?? Use the one to shift one way, and the other to shift back.