Bike anatomy question

[jehocu03]

Hello! I know this is probably a funny question, but what are the gears called? I need to buy a new gearset (the gears are not very smooth in shifting and it is difficult to shift into larger gears on left side). Any recommendations? What else needs to be upgraded along with gears?

Thanks!

[SouthernBelle]

Do you mean the derailleurs? Or the shifters on your bars? Or the cassette (cogs)?

Unless they are really old and worn, they may not need replacing, merely adjusting. Are you near enough to a bike shop to have them looked at?

[jehocu03]

The cogs and the derailer are my problem. It is very difficult to shift with the left shifter (shift up to a bigger cog). I literally have to hold the lever until it shifts. Sometimes, it just doesn't shift at all, so I just stay in what gear I am in It makes for some uncomfortable riding at times, especially on hills or when in a direct wind.

[Blueberry]

That can probably be adjusted by a shop. The cables running from your shifter to your dérailleur can stretch over time, and lead to shifting problems. How old is the bike? What kind of bike is it? How many miles are on the gearset?

[jehocu03]

That can probably be adjusted by a shop. The cables running from your shifter to your dérailleur can stretch over time, and lead to shifting problems. How old is the bike? What kind of bike is it? How many miles are on the gearset?

Well,I bought my bike used last summer and did some riding then, but not nearly as much as I am doing on a regular basis now. All the components came on the bike, so I'm not sure if they are original components or swapped. That being said, this has been a problem since I bought the bike and I have had it tuned and cleaned, de-lubed and re-lubed,yet it still has these problems I'm training for my first century so I want to train on something that will HELP me, not hurt me.

[Blueberry]

Did the shop say why? I'd probably take it back there and ask. It certainly shouldn't be doing that after a tune up. And your bike should definitely be working with you not against you! Where are you located - someone may be able to recommend a trustworthy shop.

I presume it's a road bike (drop bars?). Could be a bad shifter, could be bad cogs, a bad chain, a bad cable, etc.