Heel shifter on Freewheeler
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 461
Likes: 302
From: Vancover Island
Heel shifter on Freewheeler
I added the stock heel shifter to my '20 Freewheeler. The adjustments are not very subtle. One setting has me lifting my boot higher than my previous bike and the next lower setting has the peg touching the floorboard when shifting. Both settings work and I can learn to live with either. I am curious what the heel shifters were set at on pre '20 Freewheelers from the factory. Currently the centre of the rear foot peg to the floor is 12.5". I will probably raise it up a notch which brings it to 13,25". It sounds ridiculous but the difference is really quite noticeable.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 683
Likes: 536
From: Gulf Coast Florida
Our previous ‘16 and our present ‘15 both behave similarly to yours, regarding the heel shifter. Forward shifter is either just barely get a toe under it, or have to raise a foot to shift, up or down.
If I recall correctly, when the floorboards are moved out, the heel shifter can go down one spline, and the tip misses the board. I’ll know later this week, kit for the new one comes in.
If I recall correctly, when the floorboards are moved out, the heel shifter can go down one spline, and the tip misses the board. I’ll know later this week, kit for the new one comes in.
Get it close via adjustment on the splines, then make your subtle adjustments with the threads on the shifter rod....and while at it, might want to consider swapping out the hinky joints on the shifter rod with some Heim joints.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 897
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From: Wellsboro, PA
I added the stock heel shifter to my '20 Freewheeler. The adjustments are not very subtle. One setting has me lifting my boot higher than my previous bike and the next lower setting has the peg touching the floorboard when shifting. Both settings work and I can learn to live with either. I am curious what the heel shifters were set at on pre '20 Freewheelers from the factory. Currently the centre of the rear foot peg to the floor is 12.5". I will probably raise it up a notch which brings it to 13,25". It sounds ridiculous but the difference is really quite noticeable.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,978
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I've been using heel-toe shifters since '92 and all of our current bikes have them.
I keep both shifters on my bikes just high enough to allow them to shift before making contact with the floorboard.
My wife prefers her toe shifter to be high enough to allow "up-shifting" but usually uses the heel lever.
I keep both shifters on my bikes just high enough to allow them to shift before making contact with the floorboard.
My wife prefers her toe shifter to be high enough to allow "up-shifting" but usually uses the heel lever.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 461
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From: Vancover Island
Thank you very much for taking the time to measure. This is very, very helpful! Upshifting with osteoarthritis in my big toe makes a heel shifter highly desirable. I can manage without but would rather not. The height of the heel part of your wife's Freewheeler shifter is the same as my current setting. It just barely touches the floorboard when fully depressed. (The floorboard pad is also spongy which reduces my concern). I believe that the levers can be adjusted at 3/4" intervals which would indicate my front is two settings higher than your wife's at 16.25". This was the height originally set on the bike. (I assume from the factory) .
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 461
Likes: 302
From: Vancover Island
The longer back lever would solve multiple issues! It would give more room on the floor board and allow for a lower setting. It would also be out of the way for getting on and off the trike. However, doesn't this make the parking brake pedal difficult to access?
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 34
From: White Oak,PA
I too have an extended shift lever. Its traveled from bike to bike. Its flat with the floorboard. Works well with boots with heels but if you have boots or shoes with flat soles not so easy. I just slide my foot back and light touch to shift up.