Speed Bike
How do you use the dials/knobs on a multi-speed bike?
I just got myself this multi-speed bike at a thrift store yesterday and I don't know anything about multi-speed bikes. I don't even know how many speeds it has. I only know how to ride 1-speed bikes. Can anybody tell me anything about this?
Bike gears or speeds allow you to pedal more efficienttly.
The number of speeds your new bike has is the result of your front gears multiplied by the rear one. Newer MTB bikes will range from 21 to 27 (3 on front and 7,8 or 9 on the rear cog) while road bikes will range from 14 - 18 (2 on front 7,8 or 9 on the rear cog)
The front gears are controled by your left hand shifter (dial/knob) the smaller ring is easier for the hills, while the big ring is better for building speed or going downhill.
The rear gears are controlled by your right hand and they work the opposite as the ones on front, the bigger cog will be easier going uphill and the smaller cog will be harder.
Most of the time you can ride on the middle ring, while shifting only the rear cogs. As you get the hang of it, start shifting the front rings.
I leave some links that are more technical and will help you enjoy your new bike
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 NEW Shimano Ultegra CS 6600 10 Speed 13 25t Road Bike Cassette $64.99 Time Remaining: 46m Buy It Now for only: $64.99 |
 NEW Shimano 105 FD 5600 BL 349 10 Speed Double Road Bike Front Derailleur $19.99 Time Remaining: 46m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 NEW Shimano 105 FD 5603 318mm 286mm 10 Speed Triple Road Bike Front Derailleur $24.99 Time Remaining: 46m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 SHIMANO CS 6500 12 27 Ultegra 9 Speed Road Bike Cassette DuraAce SRAM Compatible $69.90 Time Remaining: 2h 47m Buy It Now for only: $69.90 |
 SHIMANO 105 CS 5700 12 27 10 Speed Bike Cassette SRAM DuraAce Ultegra Compatible $67.90 Time Remaining: 3h 17m Buy It Now for only: $67.90 |
 2012 Shimano 105 5700 10 Speed Road Bike Cassette 11 25T NEW $71.20 Time Remaining: 3h 18m Buy It Now for only: $71.20 |
 JL Classic fixed gear Padded saddle Seat fit single speedRoadMTB bike Black $23.00 Time Remaining: 3h 54m Buy It Now for only: $23.00 |
 JL Classic fixed gear Padded saddle Seat fit single speedRoadMTB bike White $23.00 Time Remaining: 3h 55m Buy It Now for only: $23.00 |
 JL Classic fixed gear Padded saddle Seat fit single speedRoadMTB bike Pink $23.00 Time Remaining: 3h 56m Buy It Now for only: $23.00 |
 WHEELSET BIKE ROAD 700C FSA RD 88 CASSETE CAMPY HUB 10 SPEED BLK $155.99 Time Remaining: 4h 39m Buy It Now for only: $155.99 |
 Shimano Dura Ace 7900 Rear Derailleur 10spd Speed Road Bike Short Cage Race $149.99 Time Remaining: 4h 45m Buy It Now for only: $174.99 |
 SRAM Red Crankset 10 Speed 46 39T Road Cyclocross Bike Crank Set BB30 130 BCD $174.99 Time Remaining: 4h 57m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 NEW Campagnolo Chorus Cassette 11spd Speed 11 25t Campy Road Bike Sprocket $90.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 58m |
 CAMPAGNOLO CENTAUR 10 Speed 12 25 t Ultra Drive UD Bike Cassette CAMPY NEW $69.97 Time Remaining: 5h |
 NEW Rotor Q Rings Chainrings 53 40t 135 BCD 10spd Speed Road Bike Cycling $162.61 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 13m |
 USED SRAM X0 3 x 9 Speed Grip Shift Mountain BIke Race Twist Shifters $14.50 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 16m |
 Sram Red Rear Derailleur 10 Speed Road Bike Blackbox Carbon Ceramic Pulleys $55.00 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 19m |
 NEW FSA Chainring 53T 130 BCD 10spd Speed Road Bike Chain Ring Gear Standard $39.99 Time Remaining: 5h 30m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 2012 Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed Road Bike Cassette 11 28T NEW $62.13 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 30m |
 Sram Force Rear Derailleur 10spd Speed Road Bike Carbon Short Cage Cyclocross $62.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 31m |
 Shimano Dura Ace 7800 Right Shifter 10spd Speed Road Bike Rear Brake Lever $99.99 Time Remaining: 5h 31m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 Shimano 105 5750 Compact Crank Set 10spd Speed 50 34t Road Bike 110 BCD 170mm $89.55 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 32m |
 Shimano Dura Ace 7800 Chainring 53T 130 BCD 10spd Speed Road Bike Chain Ring $19.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5h 44m |
 Shimano Dura Ace 7900 Front Derailleur 10spd Speed 349mm Clamp On Road Bike $74.99 Time Remaining: 5h 44m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 DNP EPOCH 5 Speed Index Freewheel Bike 14 24 NEW $3.97 Time Remaining: 5h 45m |
 Shimano Ultegra 6700 Crank Set 10spd Speed 53 39T 130 BCD Road Bike 170mm SGX $137.72 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 45m |
 CAMPAGNOLO CHORUS 11 Speed 12 25 t Bike Cassette Sprocket CS9 CH125 NEW $109.97 Time Remaining: 6h |
 SHIMANO SLX SL M660 9 Speed Mtb Bike Shifter Lever Right R 2 Way Release NEW $16.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 6h 6m |
 Sram Red Double Tap Rear Road Bike Shifter 10 Speed Carbon Cycling TT CX $157.50 (19 Bids) Time Remaining: 6h 12m |
 TRACKFIXIESINGLE SPEED BIKE HANDLEBAR BAR GRIPS GREEN $0.99 Time Remaining: 7h 4m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 Sram 2011 Force 10 speed Road Bike Rear Derailleur Carbon $129.95 Time Remaining: 7h 47m Buy It Now for only: $129.95 |
 2012 Shimano 105 5700 10 Speed Road Bike Cassette 11 28T NEW $71.20 Time Remaining: 8h 18m Buy It Now for only: $71.20 |
 SHIMANO ALFINE SGS501 BLACK 32Hole w 18t Cog parts 8 SPEED INTERNAL BIKE HUB $249.90 Time Remaining: 8h 27m Buy It Now for only: $249.90 |
 New Road Bike Single Speed Fixed Gear Fixie Bicycle Saddle Seat P Black $18.85 Time Remaining: 8h 33m Buy It Now for only: $18.85 |
 New Shimano IG51 8 Speed IG 51 Bike MTB chain for Alivio Acera Deore $6.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 8h 50m |
 Sram 2011 PG 1050 10 Speed Bike Cassette 12 27 $76.95 Time Remaining: 8h 59m Buy It Now for only: $76.95 |
 SRAM 2012 Force BB30 Carbon Road Bike 2x10 Speed Crankset 39 53 1725mm $373.95 Time Remaining: 9h 3m Buy It Now for only: $373.95 |
 New Shimano CN HG 50 HG50 8 Speed MTB cycling bike chain for Alivio Acera Deore $1.79 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 11m |
 Campagnolo Speed Road Bike Crankset Square Taper Crank 1725 53 39 44 AS $50.00 Time Remaining: 12h 15m |
 NEW Single Speed Fixie Bike Bicycle Origin 8 46T Crankset Crank Set White 170mm $58.99 Time Remaining: 12h 38m Buy It Now for only: $58.99 |
 Single Speed Fixie Bike Bicycle Origin 8 46T Crankset Crank Set Anodized Green $58.99 Time Remaining: 12h 43m Buy It Now for only: $58.99 |
 Single Speed Fixie Road Bike Bicycle Origin 8 46T Crankset Crank Anodized Blue $58.99 Time Remaining: 12h 46m Buy It Now for only: $58.99 |
 Bike Bicycle Fixie Single Speed Shun 48T Red Crank Set Crankset Steel 170mm $39.99 Time Remaining: 12h 50m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 Bike Bicycle Fixie Single Speed Shun 48T Dk Green Crank Set Crankset 2pc 170mm $35.99 Time Remaining: 12h 52m Buy It Now for only: $35.99 |
 Alloy Bike Bicycle Fixie Single Speed Shun 48T Anodized Red Crank Set Crankset $42.99 Time Remaining: 12h 58m Buy It Now for only: $42.99 |
 Alloy Bike Bicycle Fixie Single Speed Shun 48T Anodized Green Crank Set Crankset $42.99 Time Remaining: 13h 1m Buy It Now for only: $42.99 |
 STARS road bike wheelset Shimano 8 or 9 or 10speed $1.23 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 48m |
 Shimano 700c QR Replacement Clincher Rear Wheel Road Bike Silver 8910 Speed $84.95 Time Remaining: 16h 43m Buy It Now for only: $84.95 |
 Metal 6 Speed Sprocket Threaded Freewheel for Bicycle Bike $17.39 Time Remaining: 18h 20m |
 WELLGO TRACK FIXED GEAR SINGLE SPEED ROAD BIKE PEDALS $5.87 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 18h 20m |
 SHIMANO ULTEGRA CS6700 11 28 10 SPEED ROAD BIKE CASSETTE Used one time $54.83 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 18h 27m |
 Shimano Dura Ace 7800 Crank Set 10spd Speed 53 39t 1725mm Road Bike Race $100.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 18h 58m |
 CS RED FIXIE FIXED GEAR SINGLE SPEED BIKE TIRE 700x23c $7.87 Time Remaining: 19h 2m Buy It Now for only: $7.87 |
 Campagnolo Super Record 11 speed 11 25 Cassette Road Bike $199.00 Time Remaining: 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $250.00 |
 SRAM Apex Rear Derailleur Medium Cage Bike Bicycle 10 speed White $69.90 Time Remaining: 20h 22m Buy It Now for only: $69.90 |
 2 Pcs 16T 10T Single Speed Chain Drive Sprocket for Bicycle Bike $28.90 Time Remaining: 20h 59m |
 BIKE CHAIN RING 46 T SINGLE SPEED 110 130MM ALLOY NEW $19.95 Time Remaining: 21h 33m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 SRAM RED BLACK BB30 175MM 53 39t Crank Set 10 Speed Road Bike Cranks Carbon $369.90 Time Remaining: 21h 39m Buy It Now for only: $369.90 |
 DNP EPOCH 5 Speed Index Freewheel Bike 14 24 NEW $3.97 Time Remaining: 21h 51m |
 2 Pcs 16 10 Teeth Single Speed Bike Chain Drive Sprocket Free Wheel $29.27 Time Remaining: 21h 54m |
 2 Pcs 16 10 Teeth Single Speed Bike Chain Drive Sprocket Free Wheel $28.92 Time Remaining: 22h 36m |
 FSA Full Speed Ahead MTB TRI Bike Bicycle DECAL STICKER $4.98 Time Remaining: 23h 10m Buy It Now for only: $4.98 |
 FSA Full Speed Ahead MTB TRI Bike Bicycle DECAL STICKER $4.98 Time Remaining: 23h 11m Buy It Now for only: $4.98 |
 Shimano 105 Rd 5600 10 Speed Rear Derailleur New Bike $10.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 23h 16m |
 Shimano 105 Rd 5600 10 Speed Rear Derailleur New Bike Free Shipping $69.95 Time Remaining: 23h 18m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 |
 Campagnolo Centaur 10 Speed Front Derailleur Braze on New Bicycle Bike $3.50 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 23h 48m |
 Sram 2012 PC 1071 10 speed Powerchain Bike Chain $54.95 Time Remaining: 23h 55m Buy It Now for only: $54.95 |
 Shimano 600 hyperglide 8 speed cassette 13 26 road bike $15.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 17m |
 New Campagnolo Record Titanium 10 Speed Road Bike Rear Derailleur Carbon Cage $399.00 Time Remaining: 1d 33m Buy It Now for only: $399.00 |
 New 2008 Campagnolo Record Ultra Torque 10 Speed Road Bike Crankset 53 39t $499.00 Time Remaining: 1d 51m Buy It Now for only: $499.00 |
 Sram 2012 PG 1070 10 speed Road Bike Cassette 11 26 $85.95 Time Remaining: 1d 52m Buy It Now for only: $85.95 |
 Sram 2012 PG 1070 10 speed Road Bike Cassette 12 27 $85.95 Time Remaining: 1d 52m Buy It Now for only: $85.95 |
 New Campagnolo Record Ultra Ergo QS 10 speed Road Bike Double Left Front Shifter $229.00 Time Remaining: 1d 58m Buy It Now for only: $229.00 |
 9 16 Metal Plastic Bike Bicycle Fixie Single Speed Racing Pedals Pedal Set White $13.99 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 16m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 SRAM S900 Carbon Brake Lever Set for Single Speed Downtube shifter bikes New $105.00 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 18m Buy It Now for only: $120.00 |
 9 16 Metal Plastic Bike Bicycle Fixie Single Speed Racing Pedals Pedal Set Black $13.99 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 18m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |