While gears are not changed on the pedals themselves, they are changed while you are pedaling, using shifters located typically on your handlebars. Learning the correct technique, especially concerning pedal pressure, is key for smooth shifts.
Changing gears on a bike involves using your shifters to move the chain between different-sized sprockets (called cogs) on the rear wheel (the cassette) and sometimes between different-sized chainrings near the pedals. This changes the gear ratio, making pedaling easier or harder depending on the terrain.
Here's a breakdown of how it generally works and a crucial technique for smooth shifting:
Understanding Your Shifters
Most modern bikes have two shifters, one for the front derailleur (controlling chainrings) and one for the rear derailleur (controlling cogs).
- Rear Shifter: Usually on the right handlebar. Moves the chain across the rear cogs.
- Shifting to a larger rear cog makes pedaling easier (good for climbing hills).
- Shifting to a smaller rear cog makes pedaling harder but allows for more speed on flat or downhill sections.
- Front Shifter: Usually on the left handlebar. Moves the chain across the front chainrings.
- Shifting to a smaller front chainring makes pedaling easier.
- Shifting to a larger front chainring makes pedaling harder.
Each shifter typically has levers or buttons that you push with your thumb or index finger to move the derailleur and, consequently, the chain.
The Crucial Pedal Technique During Shifting
While you must be pedaling for the chain to move between gears, applying too much force during the shift can cause grinding, hesitation, or even damage to your drivetrain.
Based on experienced advice, a critical technique for smooth gear changes is to ease the pressure on your pedals just as you activate the shifter.
- Why ease pressure? As mentioned in cycling instructions, "just a slight little release in pressure is going to make a big difference. And make a gear change nice and smooth." Reducing the tension on the chain for a moment allows it to smoothly transition from one cog or chainring to another without fighting against the force you are applying to the pedals.
- How to do it: As you move the shifter lever/button, momentarily reduce the effort you are putting into pushing the pedals. You don't need to stop pedaling entirely, just pedal gently or maintain speed without pushing hard through the transition. Once the shift is complete, you can resume your normal pedaling effort.
Practicing Smooth Shifts
Mastering this technique takes practice. Try practicing on a flat, safe area:
- Find a steady pedaling rhythm.
- Choose a gear to shift into.
- Just before or as you activate the shifter, lighten your pedal pressure slightly.
- Listen and feel for the chain moving smoothly.
- Once the shift is done, return to normal pedaling force.
This simple adjustment in pedal pressure during a gear change can significantly improve the smoothness and efficiency of your shifting, prolonging the life of your bike's drivetrain components.
| Action When Shifting Gears | Key Technique | Benefit for Smooth Shifting |
|---|---|---|
| While pedaling | Slight little release in pressure on the pedals | Allows chain to move easily across gears |
Remember, shifting gears correctly is about coordinating the action of your shifters with your pedaling effort.
