Patent ID: 7017440

Claim:
A control system for a bicycle having a handlebar, comprising: a mount adapted for positioning on the handlebar and for supporting a brake lever; first and second electrical switches located in the mount; a gear change mechanism in communication with the first and second electrical switches and being operatively associated with at least one of a front derailleur and a rear derailleur, wherein the gear change mechanism increases a gear ratio of the bicycle when one of the first and second electrical switches is activated and decreases the gear ratio when another one of the first and second electrical switches is activated; a first button disposed on the mount for activating the first electrical switch; and a second button disposed on the mount for activating the second electrical switch; wherein the first and second electrical switches are located on a plate disposed in the mount; wherein the first and second electrical switches are located on opposite sides of the plate, the plate being oriented such that the opposite sides are generally perpendicular to a portion of the mount that is configured to engage the handlebar.