Indexed Shifting is defined as moving the shifter or pushing the shifter button moves the derailleur a precise, preset distance to the desired cog.

• A. Moving the shifter moves the derailleur by a random distance.
• B. Moving the shifter or pushing the shifter button moves the derailleur a precise, preset distance to the desired cog.
• C. Shifting is independent of the derailleur movement.
• D. Indices determine the speed of bicycle.

Answer: (B)

Indexed shifting relies on the shifter delivering a fixed, preset amount of cable pull with each click, which moves the derailleur a precise distance to align with the chosen cog. The lever and derailleur are matched so that every detent corresponds to a specific gear position on the cassette. This makes gear changes predictable and repeatable: you know exactly how far the derailleur will move for each click, guiding the chain smoothly onto the desired cog.

This is different from shifting that could vary or feel random, and it’s also unlike an idea where shifting happens independently of the derailleur or where gear indexing controls speed. In indexed shifting, the movement of the derailleur is directly tied to the shifter’s fixed steps, ensuring reliable, accurate shifts to the intended gear.