Shifting Gears

[Tuno3]

I am new to road bikes and having some problems with shifting gears. When riding recently, I shifted through to get a feel for each gear. I think I miss shifted because now I am on the small ring and the outside gear on the rear. From what I have seen this is not a combination you should ride in, but I cannot get it to shift out of that gear. How can I get it back on track? Can I manually move the chain or do I need to take it to the shop to get then to change it? I have a Specialized Allez. Thanks for any help.

[GeorgeET]

Is the shifting problematic for both front and rear shifters? Yes you can manually move the chain over and set the derailer switch in the right position.

I suggest checking out the links below, and go through your system. Make sure cables move freely first.


http://bikeride.com/gear-shifting/


http://bikeride.com/adjust-front-derailer/

http://bikeride.com/adjust-rear-derailleur/

[RBurrelli]

Sounds like you have brifters. Common on some road bikes. Had the same problem myself the first time I attempted to ride. There are two shifters on each unit. The larger moves the gears in one direction, the smaller moves them the other way.

Takes a little getting used to.

[cyclerUK]

Which make of shifter do you have.
Shimano road shifter?
Shimano MTB shifter?
Other?

[trevgbb]

Sounds like this is a problem with cables or shifters, first, tho, if it's a new purchase, get it back to the shop for a service, should be just a free tune up.
If you can't do that, check the cables for slack and that they are properly clamped up at the fd and rd, there's plenty of info on here how to do it.