Manufactured by Shimano, the Sora collection of road bike components includes a pair of integrated gear shifters. These shifters are responsible for both braking and gear shifting functions. Mounted on the handlebar, the left side shifter controls the front brake and front gears, while the right side shifter operates the rear brake and rear gears. Gears are shifted in order to customize pedaling resistance. A lower gear reduces both pedaling resistance and the amount of distance traveled per pedal rotation. A higher gear increases both.
Rear Gear Shifter
Use the index and middle fingers of your right hand to push the right brake lever in toward the bicycle. The brake lever is the long lever at the front of the shifter. Pushing the brake lever in causes the chain to shift to a lower rear gear.
Use your right thumb to push the button on the inside of the shifter down. This button causes the chain to shift to a higher rear gear.
Pull the right brake lever in toward you to operate the rear brake.
Front Gear Shifter
Use the index and middle fingers of your left hand to push the left brake lever in toward the bicycle. The chain will shift to a higher front gear.
Use your left thumb to push the button on the inside of the left shifter down. The chain will shift to a lower front gear.
Squeeze the left brake lever to operate the front brake.