Hello again,
I just purchased my hybrid a week ago and have definitely found each day to be more enjoyable than the last. I was pretty scared at first (see my "neurotic newbie post") Having said this, I'm already concerned that I don't have "enough gears". I told my LBS that I would stick strictly to our local trails, which are overwhelmingly flat with some slight inclines. He felt 7 gears would be plenty for me, (14-34) unless I wanted to venture onto the roadways as well, which I most definitely do not. However while riding, I'm interested in maintaining a good cadence, keeping my legs moving, even while going downhill---not too much resistance like Sheldon Brown advises. But oddly when I ride up a very slight incline, should I find myself pedaling best in 2nd gear? I would have thought 3rd or 4th. If I go into 1st I start spinning, since it's not nearly steep enough for that. But 3rd gear is too stiff. I always thought going up hills you downshift and vice versa. Is this more a function of me getting used to using my legs again (euphemism for getting into better shape.) Hope this is clear. Shifting is obviously new to me.