Gear Shifters

GEAR SHIFTERS

Gear shifters (or shifters) are the controls on the handlebars that the rider uses to change gears on the bicycle. They work by pulling or releasing the gear cable, which moves the derailleur to shift the chain between gears.

Common types include integrated brake-shift levers (STI on road bikes), trigger shifters (on mountain bikes), and grip shifters (twist-grip that rotates). Electronic shifting systems replace cables with electronic signals and small motors.