Question from my brother

[Trek420]

Tell him also that he may need to do regular cleaning and lubing the power train. I do that approx every 300 miles, or whenever I start to have any shifting problems.

As for shifting under load you can do it but I only shift the rear deraileur. I don't know if that's right but approaching the climb I'll try to be in the front cog I'll need to the top, may choose a higher gear for the rear. If I need to downshift wait for a false flat or "feather" the pedaling and downshift the rear as the pressure is light.

I'm sure there's a thread on technique here.

His bike is fine. That's a great bike. While he may want a new or extra bike he might only need regular cleaning and work on technique.

Lastly when it comes to a co-ed discussion group that's informative, supportive and almost as wise and whitty as TE go to Bike Journal (and I often do).

That and/or a local bike shop and/or club for him.