Average Old Guy

I apologize for asking this question the answer to which is probably common knowledge, but, here it is: On a "road bike", that is, on a bike with the handlebars that turn down so the ends of which point back to the bike -- in looking at photos I see the brake handles on the right and left handlebars, but WHERE ARE THE SHIFTERS? Are they located at the point where the handlebars join the frame? If so, then you have to take one hand off the handlebar to shift gears?

veganbikes

Typically on a modern bike on drop bars the brakes and shifters are integrated. Shimano calls their version STI (Shimano Total Integration) SRAM uses DoubleTap (for their mechanical stuff) and Campagnolo uses Ergopower. On vintage bikes typically they are mounted to the downtube and sometimes on cheaper bikes at the stem and on some touring bikes at the bar end. Gevenalle uses a system that takes a standard brake lever and integrates a downtube or bar end style shifter at the front of it.

VegasTriker

No apology needed. Those are called drop bars. Several choices depending upon how old the road bike might be. I've had them on the downtube part of the frame below the headset. (downtube shifters), at the very ends of the handlebars (handlebar shifters, and integrated with the brake handles (brifters?). If you don't see them it probably has the latter. You can see the latter here:

biker128pedal

No apology needed. Time to learn and ride.

The road bike bars you mention most call drop bars. The brakes these days on 99% of bikes are referred to as brifters. The shifters are integral to the brake levers. Right controls rear derailleur and left the front. There is mechanical and digital. For most mechanical pushing the brake levers inward shifts to the larger cog or ring. Behind the brake lever is a small lever that shifts down to smaller cogs.

Take a trip to your local bike shop. They’ll be happy to show and demonstrate all the permutations. Go for a test ride. Pretty soon you’ll have a new ride.

I type too slow on a phone.

_ForceD_

In addition to those shifter locations afore mentioned…down tube, bar end (of the handlebar), and integrated (with brake handles)…you may also experience shifters mounted at the stem; twist shifters on the top bar of the handlebar; and even thumb shifters that are usually utilized on mountain, hybrid, and commuter bikes.

Dan

Average Old Guy

Thanks for all you replies -- told me exactly what I need to know.

I'm in rural VA where the Potomac River joins the Chesapeake Bay; nearest bike shops are in Richmond or Williamsburg, two hours away. Probably will not get to either for couple of months so I'm doing my research online.

Thanks again. This is a great place with lots of helpful people!!

dedhed

https://twowheelsbetter.net/bike-shifter-types/
https://www.levelninesports.com/lear...n/shifters-101

then there are internal geared hubs (IGH) like 3 speeds with different shifters.

Inusuit

I have four bicycles, all different shifting methods - brifters, indexed thumb shifters, bar end friction shifters, friction thumb shifters. When I switch rides, it takes a few minutes to remember how to do it. If you choose a bike, the shifts woon will seem logical and easy.

_ForceD_

It certainly can be. But give it time. The monster will likely rear its ugly head in short order. Welcome aboard.

Dan

biker128pedal

Nice riding up in the Reedville area. This spring I want to park in Kilmarnock and ride around. I'm in Gloucester. Yes your choices are a trip. Williamsburg, Newport New and Richmond. Trek and the Contes in Williamsburg have more space for test rides. See Betsy a the Trek store.