Abstract: A first speed change lever is coupled to a take-up mechanism for causing the take-up mechanism to pivot for changing gears of the bicycle transmission in response to movement of the first speed change lever from a first position to a second position in the direction of a first axis. A second speed change lever is coupled to the take-up mechanism for causing the take-up mechanism to pivot for changing gears of the bicycle transmission in response to movement of the second speed change lever from a third position to a second position in the direction of a second axis that is different from the first axis. In a particular embodiment, the first axis is disposed generally parallel to the bicycle handlebar when the apparatus is mounted to the handlebar, and the second axis is disposed generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bicycle.

Abstract: A shifting apparatus for a bicycle includes a takeup element for winding a change speed wire, a shifting device having shift levers for rotating the takeup element, a speed indicator formed separately from the shifting device and attached to a handlebar, and an interlocking wire for transmitting a displacement of the shifting device to the speed indicator.