Why won't my bike gears shift?

Question

It's new and I haven't started riding it yet, but when i try to turn the gears when its not moving, it doesn't work. Why wont the gears on my Huffy bike switch?

Answer 1

The chain on your bike has to be moving for it to shift gears soo u have to ride it while your shifting.

Answer 2

Look, I don't know Huffy bikes, but the ones I do know won't let you change gears unless you're rolling.  Give that a try and see if it makes a difference.

Answer 3

Your bike may not be assembled properly. I would take it to a local bike shop. They should be able to check it for you and give you some pointers.

Answer 4

bike shops generally go over how the gears work when they sell a bike to newbies. wal-mart, target, etc often don't even have the bikes assembled properly! my lbs is pretty sympathetic to wal-mart purchasers, they help folks out but if there are any mechanical problems standard shop rates apply.

Answer 5

You must be pedalling FORWARD as you shift.

Answer 6

The gears will change if you move the gear change lever and turn the pedals while lifting the rear wheel so the wheel can turn. A bike with a derailleur changes gear by slowly winding the chain onto the cog beside the one it's in ... this requires the wheel to be free to turn. Even an internal gear hub usually has to be turning to change gear.