Well, if it weren't for other riders helping me... I might have kept riding in one gear... all the time!

It took me a few months on the bike to finally *get it*. And honestly, I am just now learning (literally, TODAY!) how to move into the big chain... but I don't know all the different gears (how they feel) on the big chain.

I have owned my bike since October 2004... racked up around 900 miles on it... and at around 600 miles I learned how to spin instead of mash and use my gears!

But... learn how to use your gears... it is very important to know how to use your gears so you can spin and go faster!

Best of luck!

*Disclaimer... I know I didn't help at all... very sorry... but I feel your pain.*