Flat bar shifters not comfortable

If your flat bar shifters are not comfortable it could be that they aren’t in the correct position. Moving them even slightly could help you access the levers more easily, improving  gear changing  efficiency. Many flat bar shifters have an indicator showing either the gear number or whether you have selected a high or low gear.

When do I need to adjust the position?

Different types of flat bar shift levers

Twist shifters

To turn these shifters use the index finger and thumb. The gear selector is normally on the shifting section and the gear numbers are on the stationary part near the cable.  They are generally held in place with a clamp that has a 2.5 – 4mm. allen key bolt or a crosshead screwdriver and is located next to the barrel adjuster.

Integrated with the brake lever – STI

The position of the shifter is governed by the position of the brake lever. This particular type of shifter is called STI or Shimano Total Integration. There is a clamp that holds the unit to the handlebars, normally fixed with a 5mm allen key bolt. The gear selector shows numerically which gear you are using. They are normally held in place with a clamp with a bolt that needs a 2.5 – 4mm allen key or a crosshead screwdriver.

Trigger shifters

Trigger shifters are mounted next to the brake lever. They have two levers, one to move the derailleur to a higher gear and one to take it to a lower gear. They normally have a clamp that fits a 5mm allen key. Many of them have an indicator unit which  shows  which gear you have selected.

Electronic shifters

These shifters are controlled with a button that is operated with the thumb. An electronic message is sent to the derailleur which allows it to change gear.

How do flat bar shifters work?

Twist shifters fit tight against the grip with two plastic washers between the shifter and the grip so as to reduce friction as the shifter moves and the grip stays still.

How to adjust flat bar gear shifters side to side.

• For trigger shifters or STI shifters, first sit on your saddle. If necessary lean against a wall or get a friend to hold your bike.

• Put your hands centrally on the grips in the position that you would ride.  

• Put your thumb onto the lower trigger. The pad of your thumb should fit comfortably on the trigger and the wrist should roughly stay in this same position.

If you have to bend the wrist to one side, then the shifter is too close and changing gear might be uncomfortable.

• If there are any accessories close to the shifters, such as a bell, lights or reflectors, then move them a little bit closer to the stem.

• Locate the clamp bolt. 
• Undo the bolt.

• Move the shifter to the desired position and retighten the bolt.

• If necessary repeat the process until you are happy with the position.
• Check if your other lever needs adjusting and, if required, repeat the process on the other side.

If you’re unable to reach the lever at the back with your index finger then the shifter it is too far away and you may not be able to shift to the higher gear. 

• Locate the clamp bolt and undo it.

• If you have trigger shifters and the brake lever stops it from moving then undo the clamp bolt on the brake lever.

• Move the shifter to the desired position and retighten the bolt.

• Tighten the brake lever clamp bolt. 
• Check the position of your shifter and, if required, repeat the process until you’re happy.
• Check if your other lever needs adjusting and, if required, repeat the process on the other side.

How to adjust twist shifters rotationally

• Put your hands on the grips and twist shifters in the position that you would ride.

• You should be able to see the gear selector in every gear.  

• If you’re unable to clearly see the gear number in a window (for Shimano twist shifters ) 

or which gear the selector is pointing on ( on non-Shimano twist shifters) then the shifter is not positioned correctly. 

• First undo the brake lever clamp bolt slightly.

• Sit on the saddle, hold the shifter in one hand  and undo the clamp bolt.

• Rotate the shifter up or down so that the window or the numbers are clearly visible.
• While still holding the shifter, tighten the bolt.

• Now move the brake lever closer to the shifter and tighten the clamp bolt.

How to adjust trigger shifters rotationally

Flat bar shifters too far forward

• Put your hands centrally on the grips. The wrist should stay in the same position.

• If you have to move your wrist down for your thumb to reach the shifter, then the trigger is too far forward and needs to be brought back. 

• Locate the clamp bolt.
• Undo the clamp bolt.

• Turn the shifter towards you and retighten the bolt and check your wrist position.

• If necessary repeat the process until you are happy with the position.

Flat bar shifters too far back

If you have to move your wrist up to reach the shifter, then the trigger is too far back and needs to be moved forward. 

• Locate the clamp bolt.
• Undo the clamp bolt and move the shifter away from you.

• If the shifter won’t move far enough then it could be that your brake lever is pushing against the shifter and also needs repositioning. If this is the case then undo the brake clamp bolt so that it moves.

• undo the shifter clamp bolt and set your gear shifter and brake at the correct position.

• You can now retighten your shifter and, if necessary, your brake lever.

• Check the position of your wrist and, if required, repeat the process until you’re happy.

Other adjustments

Now is a good time to check the position of your brake levers. We have a grour video tuteat article here to help you with the process.

You can also watch the video tutorial here:

Check out our video tutorial on how to adjust gear shifters on flat bars.

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