a shifting apparatus for controlling a change gear device winding or unwinding a cable . the shifting apparatus essentially includes a control member rotatable about a handlebar , a takeup drum for winding the cable thereon , a positioning mechanism for retains the takeup element in each angular position , and an indicator for indicating a speed stage of the change gear device . the indicator is formed separately from the control member and takeup drum , and has an axis different from a rotational axis of the control member . the indicator may be installed in any desired orientation determined freely without regard to orientations of the control member and takeup drum . the shifting apparatus , therefore , has the indicator which is small but easy to see .