A chain shifting assembly for bicycles includes a fixed member fixed to the bicycle frame and an operation member is pivotally connected to the fixed member. The advertising mechanism can take a number of different forms, including data, a software object definition, or a communications system. Preferably the barrier-coated articles take the form of preforms coated by at least one layer of barrier material and the containers are blow-molded therefrom. The method can also include automatically determining a number of sensing and stimulation electrodes connected to the device. Preferably, the surface of the powder is devoid of crystalline silicon, the inside of the powder is amorphous, and the surface includes a conductive carbon film.