Changing Gears - New Rider!! Help!!

[CorsairMac]

Hi there,
I'm reasonably fit, but some of the hills I ride are like Mt Everest so do I change down to the smallest gear (I think that is what its called), on the front left gears first (there are 3 gears on the left side and I think 8 on the right), and then change down on the right once I have been thru all 3 on the left or is this wrong???
OR Am I supposed to alternate between left and right (front and back gears)when going up hill???
Ang

Howdy Ang and welcome to the board. The answer to your question regarding the gears is: the 3 gears on the left side control the front chainrings (the ones your pedal comes out of) and the 8 on the right side control the cassette in the back. As for shifting, the bigger the front chainring, the harder it is to pedal. The smaller, the easier. The back is the opposite, the smaller the ring, the harder it is.
That being said, when climbing a hill, or just riding in general, you should try to shift down the gears in the back first BUT: like Denise said watch out for "cross-gearing". The chain should never look like this: \ or this: / as that stresses the chain and could be what is causing it to jump. Also, when climbing try to anticipate the lower gear Before you really need it. Shifting gears when really pushing hard against the pedals while climbing also stresses the chain and the gears.
Hope this helps and have fun!! Let us know how it works out!

PS: COngrats on the new bike!!!!

[MomOnBike]

Ang - One other thing on shifting.

In addition to keeping the chaing more or less straight (as opposed to slanted), you should back off a bit on your power when you shift. Think of it as letting up a bit on the gas in the car when you downshift. Actually, come to think of it, that's exactly what you are doing.

This reduces the strain on the moving parts so they can move over nicely.

I know, back off going up a hill?? Not at all what a girl wants to do, but it is easier on you and the bike. This is also a good reason to watch ahead and anticipate shifts.

NOTE: The current batch of typos can be blamed on Carmen, the Indexing Cat. She is being far too helpful this morning.

[annerol]

HI Ang,
Ok DON'T feel bad. I was right there with you a few weeks ago when I switched from a ratty old mountain bike with about four working gears to a roadbike. My problem was solved when I asked a kind and patient soul to ride next to me and literally tell me "Ok, shift the left hand up, shift the right hand"...etc etc. It actually really helped. Felt a little bit like a five year old, but hey, we ALL start somewhere. Where are you? I'm doind AIDSlifecycle, and we have alot of super (read "patient with the newbies") people doing training rides everyweekend. check out the website. I'm in L.A. County if you're anywhere near that, let me know and we can ride together.
Anne

[Jen]

HI Ang,
Ok DON'T feel bad. I was right there with you a few weeks ago when I switched from a ratty old mountain bike with about four working gears to a roadbike. My problem was solved when I asked a kind and patient soul to ride next to me and literally tell me "Ok, shift the left hand up, shift the right hand"...etc etc. It actually really helped. Felt a little bit like a five year old, but hey, we ALL start somewhere. Where are you? I'm doind AIDSlifecycle, and we have alot of super (read "patient with the newbies") people doing training rides everyweekend. check out the website. I'm in L.A. County if you're anywhere near that, let me know and we can ride together.
Anne

I am new to shifting too. This thread is helpful. One more question. I bought everything I need to change a flat and stuffed into a little bag that hangs from the back of the seat. ( new tube, co2 cartridges, thing to put co2 in tire with, tire irons. Now, do you really ride with all that stuff there? Where do you put money and a cell phone? Weird question but all that and water and I just added alot of weight to the bike.

[triflor]

it seems like a pain at first but when you get a flat you'll be so much happier that its there.
as for water weight, same thing, but to have it there than not. If you really feel strongly about it look into other things you can change to make your bike lighter, certain components etc.

[CorsairMac]

for distance riding I wear a Camelbak and carry the cell phone in that. Since I live in a state with really bad thorns, I run Slime'd tubes in my tires so I only carry a spare tube on long rides and I carry that in my Camelbak also. For short rides I've carried my cell phone/garage door opener in my jersey pockets before and they were fine. You can also get another pack - one of the triangle ones that fit under your top tube to carry the rest of your gear in. I just upgraded my seat pack for one that was a tad bigger and it will now fit 2 CO2 cartridges, the cartridge case, both sets of tools and tire tools, cell phone and opener, plus has a strap on it for a blinkie. I really like that much better!

[DeniseGoldberg]

For short rides I've carried my cell phone/garage door opener in my jersey pockets before and they were fine.

I solved the garage door opener problem by adding a key pad entry to my garage door. So now I just need to remember the code.

But - I also carry a key to the house. Why? What if the power is out when I get home? The garage door doesn't work then... And believe it or not, that really has happened to me, and I was really, really glad that I had a key.

--- Denise

[SadieKate]

INow, do you really ride with all that stuff there? Where do you put money and a cell phone? Weird question but all that and water and I just added alot of weight to the bike.

Jersey pockets carry tons. Sometimes the kitchen sink. Just view the stuff as weight training and do not skimp on water, snacks, tools and flat supplies.