Stefan Rayner

 

Having a bicycle that is with gears makes riding more efficient and comfortable especially when climbing mountains or cruising streets. However, understanding the basics of how to shift gears on a mountain bike will be an added advantage. So learn the simple and easy techniques for gear shifting and start riding in style.

 

Gear shifting basics

 

Shift front gears using your left hand.

 

Mountain bikes with gears always have hand controls on the handlebars for shifting. When using the hand controls, a metal loop move the chain to make it contact a new front gear. Other conventional gear shifting mechanisms include; small lever above the handlebars that you adjust using fingertips and grip shift that function by turning your wrists.

 

Shift rear gears using your right hand

 

The rear gears contain their derailleur. The right-hand controls move the rear derailleur from side to side making the chain to grasp on a new rear gear. Therefore, the rear gears also apply almost the same mechanism as the front gears.

 

Gear up to make peddling more powerful and hard.

 

Shifting to bigger front gear will make it harder to pedal but each pedaling will push you further and make you ride faster. Also, you can make Gear down to make pedaling less powerful and easier. Shifting to lower gears will loosen pedals thus quick and easy riding, but your ride won’t be fast.

 

Recommendation on when and how to shift

 

The reason for mountain bikes having gears is to allow you pedal comfortably in any terrain. Shift to a lower gear when climbing or riding against the wind. Also, shift to harder gears when riding on a flat surface or moving in the same direction as the wind. When shifting, especially on hills, ease up the pedals or else the chain may fall off or skip if you’re pushing hard.

 

Avoid choosing gears that crisscross the chain

 

Avoid cross-chaining gears since this makes the chain to wear out and break down over a short term and can cause rattling or spillage. Never use the biggest front gear with larger rear gear or vice versa for smaller rear gears.

 

In summary, an effective gear shifting capitalizes on your momentum thus you can generate more power to ride smoothly and efficient. Remember that waiting too long to shift your gears is one the quickest and surest way to rob yourself momentum. For the best shifting experience in mountain bike, ensure that your bike is in good shape!

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