How To Shift Your Bike Like A PRO!
Shifting your bike is one of those things that most people they assume they know how to do. Problem is, it isn’t that simple, and isn’t taught enough. In this guide we’ll teach you all about how to shift your bicycle properly and why it is important.
Why Proper Shifting Technique is Important
Being in the right gear helps to keep your pedal stroke at a smooth and efficient cadence
Cadence = how many RPM’s you’re pedaling at
The recommended cadence for road cycling is generally between 75 RPM’s and 90 RPM’s
To measure this, count how many full pedal revolutions you do in a minute, and practice it!
Being in the right gear also helps to keep your shifting smooth, and reduced overall wear and tear on your drivetrain
REAR SHIFTER
Generally on the right side of the handlebars in the US of A
Generally controls the rear derailleur
Front Shifter
Generally on the left side of the handlebars in the US of A
Generally controls the front derailleur
Rear Derailleur
Located adjacent to the back wheel
Controls smaller changes in gearing
Front Derailleur
Located adjacent to the crankset of your bicycles
Controls larger changes in gearing (generally high and low in a standard road 2x chainring style setup)
How to Do It
left shifter explained
- To shift from your low gear on the front derailleur into the high gear, use your left shift lever
- To shift from your high gear up front to the lower gear, use the smaller button on the inside of your left shift lever
right shifter explained
- To shift into a harder gear to pedal in the rear, use the smaller button on your right shifter
- To shift into an easier gear in the rear, use the right shift lever
Helpful Tips
- If you’re pedaling too slow, shift into an easier gear
- If you’re pedaling too fast, shift into a harder gear
- Be sure to keep pedaling when shifting but lighten up your power a bit to allow the chain to easily transition from one gear to the next
- We like to think of our gears as either inboard, or outboard. Shift the front or rear derailleur inboard or closer to the center of the bicycle to make pedaling easier. Shift the front or rear derailleur outboard to make it easier to pedal.
- Shift BEFORE you start going up a hill, not during
- Keep your head up and looking forward, use your ears to listen for shifts happening properly!
- Try to keep your chainline as straight as possible to prevent premature drivetrain wear
To summarize, shifting and staying in the proper gear is a skillset that takes consistent practice. With practice it will become second nature and you’ll be onto teaching the next person how it’s done.
Be sure to reach out to us here with any questions, we love teaching people proper cycling technique.
Round up for distance, round down for time, thanks for reading!
BBB