Please dont laugh at a beginner

Hazeyblue
Hazeyblue Posts: 4
edited August 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
Hello all

New to biking as an adult. Last time I had a bike was when I was a child and it didn have gears :lol: Just bought a mountain bike from Halfords (sharp intake of breath). The gear paddles are the opposite way round on the handlebars. What I mean by that is on the left (front) the big front paddle shifts up and the small rear paddle shifts down, on the right side (rear) they are the opposite way round and its confusing the heck out of me.

Is this correct, in which case I will just have to get used to it, or have they been set up the wrong way round? Is it possible to change them?

Id like to learn how to maintain my bike myself so you might see me here with the odd question now and again.

Thanks

Comments

  • The Northern Monkey
    The Northern Monkey Posts: 19,174
    Welcome to the forum :)

    And yep, that's correct unfortunately!

    What bike did you buy?
    Santa Cruz Butcher
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    That is indeed correct. You'll get used to it pretty quickly.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • Hazeyblue
    Hazeyblue Posts: 4
    Oh B*gger :lol:

    I thought that cant be right, shows you, I have a lot to learn :roll:

    I got a carrera vengeance. Its quite canny actually, does what I need. I should be taking it back, its well past its 6 week service.

    Thanks for the replies guys.
  • The Northern Monkey
    The Northern Monkey Posts: 19,174
    Great bike, good choice!
    Santa Cruz Butcher
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Not a bad choice at all......

    You'll soon get used to it, besides you shouldn't need to shift the front very much.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Hazeyblue
    Hazeyblue Posts: 4
    Thanks, thats reassuring. Got my eye on a road bike next, but that will come through the cycle2work scheme.
  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    Like the others have said, don't worry about it, it soon becomes second nature. Then you'll have to get accustomed to different shifters when you get the road bike too! (although the left and right shifters are still opposite).

    However, if it does bother you, you could fit a low-normal rear mech. But give it a go, I'm certain you'll get used to it.
    My photos

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