How & When To Change Gear On Your Bike
Changing gears on your bike is an essential skill for any cyclist. Knowing when to change gears can make your ride more comfortable and efficient. In this article, we'll discuss how and when to change gear on your bike.
How to Change Gear
Most bikes have two types of gear shifters: the left shifter controls the front derailleur, which moves the chain between the front chainrings, while the right shifter controls the rear derailleur, which moves the chain between the rear cassette sprockets.
To shift gears, use your left hand to shift the front derailleur, and your right hand to shift the rear derailleur. Push the lever inwards to shift to a smaller chainring or sprocket, and pull the lever towards you to shift to a larger chainring or sprocket.
When to Change Gear
The timing of when to change gears depends on a few factors, such as the terrain, your speed, and your effort level. Here are some tips to help you know when to change gear on your bike:
Change gears before you need to. Don't wait until you're struggling to pedal up a hill to shift to an easier gear. Anticipate changes in terrain and adjust your gear accordingly.
Use your cadence as a guide. Cadence is the rate at which you pedal. A comfortable cadence for most riders is between 80-100 revolutions per minute (RPM). If your cadence is too low, shift to an easier gear. If it's too high, shift to a harder gear.
Match your gear to your speed. As you increase your speed, shift to a harder gear to maintain your cadence. As you slow down, shift to an easier gear.
Avoid cross-chaining. Cross-chaining is when you're using the largest chainring in the front and the largest sprocket in the rear, or the smallest chainring in the front and the smallest sprocket in the rear. This can cause unnecessary wear on your bike's drivetrain, so avoid it if possible.
Shift in advance of stopping. If you're coming to a stop, shift to an easier gear before you come to a complete stop. This will make it easier to start again when you're ready to ride.
Conclusion
Changing gears on your bike is a fundamental skill that every cyclist should master. Remember to anticipate changes in terrain, use your cadence as a guide, match your gear to your speed, avoid cross-chaining, and shift in advance of stopping. By following these tips, you'll be able to change gears on your bike with confidence and ride more efficiently.