How to Change Gears on a Schwinn Bike

For novice cyclists, changing gears can seem a bit intimidating at first. A typical geared bicycle, including many Schwinn models, will have two separate shifters--one on each side of the handlebar--for operating the front and rear gears. Depending on which shift lever you push or which direction you turn the twist-grip, you'll suddenly find yourself in a higher (tougher) or lower (easier) gear. Most Schwinn off-road model bikes will be outfitted with twist-grip style shifters, while road models will feature an integrated design, in which the shifters and brake levers are housed in the same unit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Twist-grip shifters

Step 1

Familiarize yourself with the function of each shifter by changing gears while riding the bike. The shifter on the left side of the handlebar controls gears at the front of the bike, while the shifter on the right controls gears at the rear of the bike. These gears, front and back, work together to form different ratios.

Step 2

Shift to a higher rear gear, by twisting the right side shifter forward. This will move the chain to a smaller rear cog. While the cog may be smaller, the amount of pedaling resistance will increase as will the amount of distance covered per pedal stroke.

Step 3

Shift to a lower rear gear, by twisting the right side shifter back. This will lessen pedaling resistance but also the amount of distance covered per pedal stroke.

Step 4

Shift to a higher front gear, by twisting the left side shifter forward. This will move the chain to a larger chain ring at the front of the bike. This will increase both pedaling resistance and the amount of distance covered per pedal stroke.

Step 5

Shift to a lower front gear, by twisting the left side shifter back. This will move the chain back to a smaller chain ring, making pedaling easier but also reducing the amount of distance covered per pedal stroke.

Integrated shifters

Step 1

Place your right hand atop the hood of the right side shifter, and your left hand atop the hood of the left side shifter. The hood should be nestled between your thumb and forefinger. The right side shifter will control gears at the rear of the bike, while the left side shifter will control those at the front. Combining the two sets of gears will give your different gear ratios.

Step 2

Shift to a higher rear gear, by using the middle finger of your right hand to push the right side paddle in toward the bike. This paddle is located directly behind the brake lever. This shift will increase pedaling resistance but also the amount of distance covered per pedal stroke.

Step 3

Shift to a lower rear gear, by using the index finger of your right hand to push the right side lever in toward the bike. This lever also serves as your brake lever. Pushing it in will lessen pedaling resistance but also the amount of distance covered by pedal stroke.

Step 4

Shift to a higher front gear, by using the index finger of your left hand to push left side lever in toward the bike. This will increase pedaling resistance but also the amount of distance covered per pedal stroke.

Step 5

Shift to a lower front gear, by using the middle finger of your left hand to push the left side paddle in toward the bike. This will reduce pedaling resistance but also the amount of distance covered per pedal stroke.

Resources

SheldonBrown: How to Shift Your Bicycle's Gears

Article Written By Matthew Ferguson

Matthew Ferguson is a writer living in Savannah, Ga. He has been writing for over 10 years and his work has appeared on various online publications. A collection of his short stories was published in spring 2010. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University.

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