A beginner's guide to shifting bicycle gears
Whether it's teaching people how to use them, or diagnosing problems with them, we probably talk about gears more than any other subject at the bike shop. Although the derailleur gear system on bicycles is actually quite simple, even elegant, people find operating it the most difficult part of biking.
Here are four tips and a few FAQs I hope will help you get the hang of your gears.
First, remember that you have to be pedaling when you change gears. That's because the chain has to be moving in order for the derailleurs to "derail" the chain from sprocket to sprocket.
Second, pedal at a brisk pace. It's always better to use the easier to pedal gears at a faster pace than to muscle the hard ones more slowly. A brisk pace improves your stamina on a longer ride, and it enables you to “jump” if you need to suddenly move quickly. Plus, this technique is easier on your bike.
Third, and this is hugely important, lighten the pressure on the pedals when you shift. You still have to be pedaling while you shift gears, but don't be pedaling hard as you change them. Lightening the pressure on the pedals facilitates a much smoother, more quiet shift. This technique too is easier on your bike.
Fourth, remember to shift into a low numbered gear before you stop. That way you're in an easy-to-pedal gear for starting off again.
Why does my bike have so many gears on it?
First, having lots of gears on your bike gives you a wider range of gears. That means the lower gear is easier for pedaling up hills and the higher gear allows you to go faster down them. Secondly, the steps between the gears are closer. This arrangement increases your efficiency because you don't have to ramp your energy up and down so much when you change gears. Your power output will be more even, which helps your stamina on a longer ride. And with lots of gears, you'll be able to find just the right gear for any situation.
How do I shift my gears going uphill when I have to lighten the pressure on the pedals in order to shift?
You have to anticipate your shifts a little bit. However, once you get your timing down, it just takes a beat.
How do I prevent the scraping or rattling noises I get in certain gear combinations?
An easy way to prevent those gear noises is to use your low numbered gears on the left with your low numbered gears on the right, and use the high ones with the high ones. The same tip applies to road bikes. The difference on a road bike is that the gears aren't numbered, so you have to look down to see what sprockets the chain is on to determine what gear you're in. Running the inboard ring up front with the inboard cogs in back, and running the outboard ring with the outboard cogs in back, prevents those gear noises. Expressed another way, avoid running the big gears in the front with the big gears in the back; and avoid running the small ones with the small ones.
How do I know when to use the left shifter?
Use the left shifter when you want to make BIG changes. Gear number one on the left is for steep up hills (you probably won't use this one much), number two is for flat ground and gentle hill (for most of your riding), and number three is for down hills. You get "in the ballpark" with the left shifter, then fine tune on the right. Most of your shifting will actually be done on the right side. You’ll go faster on the big numbers, on both sides.
I like to pedal in high gear all the time so I can get a good leg workout. Is that OK?
You can certainly ride that way if you want to. However, expect to replace your chain, cassette and large chainring about once a year. This type of riding wears out the driver train quickly. Moreover, you'll find that fatigue sets in more quickly when you ride in high gear. Pedaling at a brisk pace, in an easier gear, increases your stamina over a longer ride. It's like weight training. You can do more reps with a lighter weight. Notice how fast the fast guys pedal.
Why does my bike mechanic grimace when I shift the gears sitting still?
Shifting your gears while standing still stretches the cables and strains the derailleurs. Remember, you have to be pedaling before the bike will change gears.
And that's it….
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