Why would anyone not want to have Gear Indicators on their Gear Shifters?
08-30-15, 08:31 PM
#76
Senior Member
Again... I don't think anyone is saying it's nice to have them to know when and when not to shift, or where and where not to shift. It's just good info to have at a glance when you need it.
I'd like to see how well the so called "professional cyclists" and those that have "learned to ride" would do if their bike was put in a specific gear by someone other than them, then the "pro" jumps on their bike and without visual aid be able to determine what gear it is in.
I bet very few would get it on the first try.
Last edited by one4smoke; 08-30-15 at 10:18 PM.
08-30-15, 09:09 PM
#77
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Posts: 830
Bikes: 16 Haibike Sdruo Cross SM
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 30 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Motorcycle riders on sportbikes enjoy a gear indicator. They are willing to pay over 100 dollars for one plus install fees if you are not a DIY person.
For bicycles its a plus to have as well.
For bicycles its a plus to have as well.
08-30-15, 11:51 PM
#78
Newbie
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 62
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
1 Post
Rev limiter prevents the engine from exceeding a certain r.p.m. by cutting ignition or fuel or both.
Shift indicator is a driver's aid which notifies when it is appropriate to shift gears.
Perhaps you got it mixed up with a tachometer which indicates r.p.m.
I heard that semi trucks have lots of gears.
For instance 9 speed transmission combined with 2 stage transfer totalling 18 speeds.
Kinda simular to a bicycle with 9sp cluster x 2 chainrings.
I wonder how the drivers are handing all those gears. Do they rely on gear indicators, if there are any?
I have a feeling that seasoned vetarans could do it by feel.
Any semi drivers on this board?
BTW I'm surprised that this thread hasn't deteriorated into an unpleasant pissing match.
08-31-15, 05:57 AM
#79
Senior Member
Shift indicator and rev limiter are totally different things.
Rev limiter prevents the engine from exceeding a certain r.p.m. by cutting ignition or fuel or both.
Shift indicator is a driver's aid which notifies when it is appropriate to shift gears.
Perhaps you got it mixed up with a tachometer which indicates r.p.m.
Rev limiter prevents the engine from exceeding a certain r.p.m. by cutting ignition or fuel or both.
Shift indicator is a driver's aid which notifies when it is appropriate to shift gears.
Perhaps you got it mixed up with a tachometer which indicates r.p.m.
I'm well aware of what a tach does, thank you.
08-31-15, 07:02 AM
#80
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Quote -
"I'd like to see how well the so called "professional cyclists" and those that have "learned to ride" would do if their bike was put in a specific gear by someone other than them, then the "pro" jumps on their bike and without visual aid be able to determine what gear it is in.
I bet very few would get it on the first try. " end quote
And if the gear is too high....you flick the shifter to the gear of your choice! The number assigned to a specific sprocket means nothing....its the mechanical advantage gained that matters.
(unless you don't know how to shift up or down)
"I'd like to see how well the so called "professional cyclists" and those that have "learned to ride" would do if their bike was put in a specific gear by someone other than them, then the "pro" jumps on their bike and without visual aid be able to determine what gear it is in.
I bet very few would get it on the first try. " end quote
And if the gear is too high....you flick the shifter to the gear of your choice! The number assigned to a specific sprocket means nothing....its the mechanical advantage gained that matters.
(unless you don't know how to shift up or down)
08-31-15, 07:10 AM
#81
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So you are saying the bike rider isn't getting "feedback" from the difficulty in pedaling, the speed of his leg cadence as related to ground speed, and more?
08-31-15, 07:15 AM
#82
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
HA! I was kind of waiting for someone to ask this!
Nascar is racing.........like road racing bikes, neither have gear shift indicators. They go by feel of course, you have to get know your machinery personally.
Normal cars, SUV's Trucks and vehicles in general for the population much like our hybrids as compared to cars, do have shift indicators on both the knobs and on the dash telling us what gears we are in.
The general population of us, likes to see and feel things. Where as the professional cyclists and drivers do very well by feel.
Nascar is racing.........like road racing bikes, neither have gear shift indicators. They go by feel of course, you have to get know your machinery personally.
Normal cars, SUV's Trucks and vehicles in general for the population much like our hybrids as compared to cars, do have shift indicators on both the knobs and on the dash telling us what gears we are in.
The general population of us, likes to see and feel things. Where as the professional cyclists and drivers do very well by feel.
08-31-15, 07:40 AM
#84
Senior Member
Because not shifting into a higher gear at a critical RPM can cause engine failure. Duh.
08-31-15, 08:18 AM
#85
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 22
Bikes: Cannondale Quick Speed 1 | Trek 1500 SLR
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
08-31-15, 10:03 AM
#86
Banned
3 speed its easy to figure out.. my Brompton's shift lever is on top by my thumb.
Likewise my 3 and 4 on the 'Tree'/steering wheel shifted Cars. its easy to Grok.
Likewise my 3 and 4 on the 'Tree'/steering wheel shifted Cars. its easy to Grok.
08-31-15, 10:29 AM
#87
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 148
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus Carbon Comp Disc '14, Spec' Crosstrail Sport Disc (customed), Ellsworth Epiphany
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
My Tiagra front shifter is back to front , the red marker is far right when on the smaller chainring.
So, what's the point?
So, what's the point?
08-31-15, 10:54 AM
#88
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,212
Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 1,002 Times
in
488 Posts
Again... I don't think anyone is saying it's nice to have them to know when and when not to shift, or where and where not to shift. It's just good info to have at a glance when you need it.
I'd like to see how well the so called "professional cyclists" and those that have "learned to ride" would do if their bike was put in a specific gear by someone other than them, then the "pro" jumps on their bike and without visual aid be able to determine what gear it is in.
I bet very few would get it on the first try.
I'd like to see how well the so called "professional cyclists" and those that have "learned to ride" would do if their bike was put in a specific gear by someone other than them, then the "pro" jumps on their bike and without visual aid be able to determine what gear it is in.
I bet very few would get it on the first try.
I dont care what number Shimano assigned that cog.
08-31-15, 01:19 PM
#89
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Again... I don't think anyone is saying it's nice to have them to know when and when not to shift, or where and where not to shift. It's just good info to have at a glance when you need it.
I'd like to see how well the so called "professional cyclists" and those that have "learned to ride" would do if their bike was put in a specific gear by someone other than them, then the "pro" jumps on their bike and without visual aid be able to determine what gear it is in.
I bet very few would get it on the first try.
I'd like to see how well the so called "professional cyclists" and those that have "learned to ride" would do if their bike was put in a specific gear by someone other than them, then the "pro" jumps on their bike and without visual aid be able to determine what gear it is in.
I bet very few would get it on the first try.
08-31-15, 01:26 PM
#90
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,842
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12774 Post(s)
Liked 7,692 Times
in
4,081 Posts
I have them on some of my bikes but only look at them once or twice a year. I broke off the top part of my XTR right shifter, so now it's just a happy fluorescent red flag that jumps when I shift gears but doesn't point to any numbers or lines.
08-31-15, 01:57 PM
#91
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,445
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4234 Post(s)
Liked 2,949 Times
in
1,808 Posts
Again... I don't think anyone is saying it's nice to have them to know when and when not to shift, or where and where not to shift. It's just good info to have at a glance when you need it.
I'd like to see how well the so called "professional cyclists" and those that have "learned to ride" would do if their bike was put in a specific gear by someone other than them, then the "pro" jumps on their bike and without visual aid be able to determine what gear it is in.
I bet very few would get it on the first try.
I'd like to see how well the so called "professional cyclists" and those that have "learned to ride" would do if their bike was put in a specific gear by someone other than them, then the "pro" jumps on their bike and without visual aid be able to determine what gear it is in.
I bet very few would get it on the first try.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
08-31-15, 08:13 PM
#92
Newbie
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 62
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
1 Post
You must be incapable of reading a simple tach for that STUPID SITUATION to happen.
And are you really aware why the rev-limiter is there for? In the situation you mentioned, it would cut in.
If you can't figure out when to shift without a silly shift indicator, you're incapable of operating MTs period.
I regret having my time wasted on you.
Sould've figured it when you were so hell bent on discrediting those who claimed no need for OGDs.
My mistake totally. OP, sorry for kinda derailling the thread.
08-31-15, 10:23 PM
#93
Homey
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 13,499
Mentioned: 56 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2427 Post(s)
Liked 1,407 Times
in
901 Posts
I think you guys should take some time to cool your jets.
Let the egos go. Nobody is more superior than the other so let people say their point of view without it getting heated. A discussion is nice but when it comes to insulting and degrading each other, it no longer is fun.
Let the egos go. Nobody is more superior than the other so let people say their point of view without it getting heated. A discussion is nice but when it comes to insulting and degrading each other, it no longer is fun.
08-31-15, 10:32 PM
#94
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,842
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12774 Post(s)
Liked 7,692 Times
in
4,081 Posts
There is somewhat of a market for this keyboard, so there might as well be one for no-indicator shifters, too 
Das Keyboard 4C Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard DASK4CULTMBLU B&H
Das Keyboard 4C Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard DASK4CULTMBLU B&H
09-01-15, 06:00 AM
#95
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Bruce Twp, MI
Posts: 305
Bikes: Huffy Sienna Cruiser
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I only ever look at the gear indicator to make sure that I'm on the highest gear out back. It usually feels like I am, but without that number indicating high gear I would probably still try to push the gear indicator to make sure.
When I had a motorcycle with a gear indicator, I only used it for the same thing - to make sure I was in 6th gear when I was cruising on the highway. When I had motorcycles without an indicator, I would sometimes push the shift lever to make sure that I was in final gear.
When I had a motorcycle with a gear indicator, I only used it for the same thing - to make sure I was in 6th gear when I was cruising on the highway. When I had motorcycles without an indicator, I would sometimes push the shift lever to make sure that I was in final gear.
09-01-15, 10:43 AM
#96
Senior Member
So, that's your idea of elaboration? Wow what a genius.
You must be incapable of reading a simple tach for that STUPID SITUATION to happen.
And are you really aware why the rev-limiter is there for? In the situation you mentioned, it would cut in.
If you can't figure out when to shift without a silly shift indicator, you're incapable of operating MTs period.
I regret having my time wasted on you.
Sould've figured it when you were so hell bent on discrediting those who claimed no need for OGDs.
My mistake totally. OP, sorry for kinda derailling the thread.
You must be incapable of reading a simple tach for that STUPID SITUATION to happen.
And are you really aware why the rev-limiter is there for? In the situation you mentioned, it would cut in.
If you can't figure out when to shift without a silly shift indicator, you're incapable of operating MTs period.
I regret having my time wasted on you.
Sould've figured it when you were so hell bent on discrediting those who claimed no need for OGDs.
My mistake totally. OP, sorry for kinda derailling the thread.
09-01-15, 10:44 AM
#97
Senior Member
There is somewhat of a market for this keyboard, so there might as well be one for no-indicator shifters, too
Das Keyboard 4C Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard DASK4CULTMBLU B&H
Das Keyboard 4C Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard DASK4CULTMBLU B&H
09-01-15, 10:46 AM
#98
Senior Member
I only ever look at the gear indicator to make sure that I'm on the highest gear out back. It usually feels like I am, but without that number indicating high gear I would probably still try to push the gear indicator to make sure.
When I had a motorcycle with a gear indicator, I only used it for the same thing - to make sure I was in 6th gear when I was cruising on the highway. When I had motorcycles without an indicator, I would sometimes push the shift lever to make sure that I was in final gear.
When I had a motorcycle with a gear indicator, I only used it for the same thing - to make sure I was in 6th gear when I was cruising on the highway. When I had motorcycles without an indicator, I would sometimes push the shift lever to make sure that I was in final gear.
09-01-15, 12:00 PM
#99
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: North Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,624
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2975 Post(s)
Liked 1,182 Times
in
771 Posts
couldn't care less whether my shifters have 'indicators' or not. They are useless. Never look at them, and don't need to 'look down' to know what gear I'm in.
Why not? Simple: I can tell by feel whether I need to shift down or up to sustain my preferred cadence. Legs pushing too hard/cadence slowing, obviously need a lighter gear; the reverse -- harder gear.
Why not? Simple: I can tell by feel whether I need to shift down or up to sustain my preferred cadence. Legs pushing too hard/cadence slowing, obviously need a lighter gear; the reverse -- harder gear.
I never know where the indicator is.
02-13-16, 07:58 AM
#100
Senior Member
Inspired by this thread, I decided to pay attention whether I actually use my gear indicators or not. I realized that I actually don't, especially that the indicators on my shifters aren't easy to read. So I removed them and got some custom vinyl stickers made to cover the exposed holes. Here's the result. I like the decluttered handlebar look.
Before
After
Before
After