Two gear shifting questions

brian_biker said:

To prevent bad chain angles, with the three big gears (1-3, with 3 being the "hardest"😉, on number 1, I should only use small gears 1-3. On big gear #3, I should only use small gears 6-8. However, this is my CONFUSION: on big gear #2, may I only use gears 3-6, or may I use all small gears 1-8? I have read conflicting answers for this on the web.

Also, on the topside of my bikeframe, there are three wires with rubber beads attached to them. I know the wires correspond to the rear brake and two shift knobs on either handlebar, but what about the rubber beads? I have attached pictures.

When the chain is on the MIDDLE chainring, you can use all the cogs on the rear ...

The rubber beads prevent the cables from slapping against the frame.

alfeng said:

When the chain is on the MIDDLE chainring, you can use all the cogs on the rear ...

The rubber beads prevent the cables from slapping against the frame.

Thank you. 🙂

re:. the rubber beads SO they do what they are meant to do, spread them evenly on the cables, that will prevent your brake cables from slapping onto your top tube and scratch it.That is if you have not figured that out in the last season...[IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/biggrin.gif[/IMG]