First triathlon tommorrow and I've had to borrow a bike. It's a Trek 1400 with Shimano 105 gears. I have changed up gears with the lever, but I don't seem to be able to change down again. Anyone know if there's a trick to it?

There should be two lever's on each side of the handle bars, a little black one and a big silver one. (The silver one should also double as the brake lever when pulled towards you)

The right hand side of the handle bars will probably control the rear derailleur, and the left hand side will probably control the front.

If you push the silver lever on the right hand side of the bike to the left, the rear derailleur should shift up (ie. onto an easier gear). If you just push the little black lever on the right hand side of the bike to the left, the rear derailleur should shift down (ie. onto a harder gear).

For the left hand side of the handle bars it should be the other way around (ie. little black lever makes it easier, big silver lever makes it harder).

This may be swapped around on your bike but have a fiddle and you should be able to see how they move up and down.

The other thing is to make sure you're pedalling while shifting... the gears won't change if you're just coasting...

Thank you Owen - I can now change gears. I know it was a silly question, but I had no idea.
Cheers

We expect a race report as well!

not a silly question at all!

How'd it go?

Owen

I read your message and laughed, but then I remember falling off my new bike, both feet strapped into my new shoes, unable to change gears, or do anything but fall off; much to the amusement of my neighbours kids. A bad flashback.

Skinned knee, lots of claret and a wife that also laughed at me and my middle age efforts to get fit. Very embarrassing, but I have progressed a bit since then!!

Best of luck with the triathlon. After the first one you will be hooked.

As Tank Girl said, we look forward to your post-race report.

Cheers

Pipe