Something wrong with my gears, or with me???

[PDXKim]

I've been lurking for a few weeks but registered so I could say THANKS!

I have had the same issue as cyclingmama in trying to shift to my first gear on an uphill climb (I've even managed to drop my chain) and DebW's response was exactly what I needed to know.

Thank you!
Kim (who's beginning to not feel like such a complete beginner)

[Jacki O]

Like PDXKim, I lurk most than post, but I'm compelled to chime in with a related question:

I've struggled to learn the best times to use the early shifting technique(s) described in this thread. Sometimes I'm successful; sometimes not so much......

On the more successful executions, frankly, my pedals often wind up turning faster than my legs can spin. Theoretically I see the benefit of soft pedaling, but I feel more comfortable when there's a little tension under my feet. As a result, when my pedals are spinning too fast for me, I wind up changing gears to give myself more tension and, I fear, loosing momentum in the process. What do other folks do when their legs can't keep up? Should I just go with it rather than trying to correct my gearing before I'm into the meat of my climb? Momentum, as we all know, is easier to keep than to get.

Thanks in advance, ladies!