What is an index shifter on a bike?

Wide range of compatibility. Most of the shifters you have used in your life are probably what is called index-shifters: you push them until they click you into your next gear. They only move your derailleur exactly as much as you push the shifter, not telling you when the derailleur is in the right spot.

Are derailleurs indexed?

With the possible exception of the newer electromechanical shifting systems, the derailleurs themselves are not “indexed”; they move within a range according to the cable movement. The shifters control the cable movement, and are the thing that are indexed — not the derailleurs.

What does Shimano mean on a bike?

Originally Answered: What is the meaning of an equipped Shimano bike? Shimano is by far the biggest manufacturer of bicycle components, so an equipped Shimano bike is simply a bike with Shimano components, such as gears and brakes.

How do you shift gears on a bike?

To operate the shifters you push the lever sideways until you hear a click. For most mountain and hybrid style bikes with flat bars, you shift the gears by using set paddles that you operate with your thumb. Some bikes operate with “grip shifters”, or a dial that is located to the inside of where you place your hands.

How do I know if my gears are indexed correctly?

If the gears on your bike are properly indexed, each single click of the shifter will cause a single shift up or down the gears, front or rear. If you find you’re skipping a gear or that your shifting is getting stuck, then there’s a good chance you need to adjust your indexing.

What index gear should I use for a 5-sided design?

For example, a 5-sided design will use an 80 Index Gear, a 3-sided design will use a 72 or 96, etc. Why does a designer choose one or another when both will allow the same number of sides?–well, the more teeth, the more subtlety of design is possible.

What is the index gear on a TEC mast?

The Ultra Tec Mast comes with a 96 Index Gear–the most often used. Faceting designs specify the Index Gear, and the 96 and 64 cover about 80% of published designs. Changing Index Gears takes only a few minutes. The symmetry of a design depends on which numbers divide evenly into the available number of teeth on the Index Gear.

How long does it take to change an index gear?

Changing Index Gears takes only a few minutes. The symmetry of a design depends on which numbers divide evenly into the available number of teeth on the Index Gear. For example, a 5-sided design will use an 80 Index Gear, a 3-sided design will use a 72 or 96, etc.