Shifter for actuating the gear mechanism of a bicycle

A shifter for actuating at least one gear mechanism of a bicycle, comprising:

• a housing having a set of latching teeth;
• a gripping element arranged on said housing and selectively moveable relative to said housing in a release direction and a tension direction for actuating the shifter;
• a movable element movably arranged on said housing and directly connected to a gear transfer means for tensioning and releasing the transfer means, said movable element including a pawl operatively arranged for engaging said set of latching teeth and configured to permit rotation in a first one of the release and tension directions and configured to be disengaged to permit rotation in a second one of the release and tension directions;
• a lifter arranged on said gripping element operatively arranged for disengaging said pawl from said set of latching teeth when said gripping element is moved in said release direction;
• and
• a spring arranged on said movable element and a driver mounted on said gripping element operatively arranged for preloading said spring when said gripping element is moved in said release direction for urging said movable element toward the release direction.