The Correct Way to Change Gears on a Bike

Shifting gears is something you do on multi-gear bikes, like hybrid bikes. This technique makes pedalling easier or faster, depending on the terrain. It can feel a bit tricky at first, though, especially the first time you give it a go.

If this sounds familiar, we’re here to give you the basic tips to get the hang of it. We’ll also answer some FAQs you won’t want to miss.

How to Use Bicycle Gears

(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

You should always have the pedals in motion when changing gears for a smooth transition (and ease off the pressure a little as you do it).

If your bike has two sets of gear shifters, it helps to know what each one does. The left shifter controls the front chainrings – the gears near the pedals, usually with 2 or 3 options:

• Smaller chainring = easier pedalling (good for hills)

• Larger chainring = harder pedalling (good for speed on the flat or downhill)

The right shifter controls the cassette on the back wheel. This has several cogs for fine-tuning how hard it feels to pedal:

• Larger rear cog = easier gear

• Smaller rear cog = harder gear

On many bikes there are two paddles or levers for each shifter: one makes pedalling easier, the other makes it harder. Which paddle does what can vary between models, so in a safe, flat area, click each one while gently pedalling and notice whether it gets easier or harder. Once you’ve felt the difference, the next steps will make much more sense.

Now that you know these parts, you’ll better understand what the next steps refer to.

Shifting to a lower gear for uphill or tougher terrains

When you feel you’re pushing too hard on the pedals, it’s time to shift to an easier gear:

• At the front, that means moving the chain onto a smaller chainring.

• At the back, it means moving the chain onto a larger cog on the cassette.
  
  

While you’re gently pedalling, press the shifter paddle you identified earlier as making pedalling easier. Use it to drop to a smaller chainring at the front or a larger cog at the back. This reduces the effort needed and helps you climb hills or ride into a headwind without grinding.

Shifting to a higher gear for speed or downhill

When your legs are spinning very fast but you’re not going any quicker, you need a harder gear:

• At the front, move the chain onto a larger chainring.

• At the back, move the chain onto a smaller cog.

Again, keep pedalling smoothly and use the other shifter paddle – the one that makes pedalling harder. Shift up before you pick up too much speed on flat or downhill sections so you can go faster without “spinning out”.

How Your Pedals Should Move During Gear Changes

Don’t stop pedalling when you change gears; try this instead:

• Keep it steady and try not to stop or go too fast when changing gears.

• Carry on with pedalling when changing the front gears. Do so at the same pace, not harder or faster.

• Pedal in small, steady strokes, as sudden bursts can make the chain slip.

• Keep your feet moving as the chain shifts. Ease off a bit on hills, and maintain a steady pace on flat or downhill sections.

When Should You Shift Bicycle Gears on Your Adult Bike?

(Shadowplay Bike)