I'm a Gear Idiot

[Nanci]

I have the Trek 2100 with the triple in front.

I use the big front ring for all flat and downhill, and vary the rear to keep a pretty high cadence (rpm). The big chain ring/small rear ring is for the very easiest conditions. Assuming the same speed, a higher cadence has less effort/exertion.

I use the big front ring for small to medium hills, shifting progressively as difficulty increases to easier and easier (bigger) gears in the rear. If it is a short hill and I am going to stand for the last hard part, I first shift the rear gear two steps harder, (smaller) then stand.

If it is a long, medium difficulty hill, I use the middle front chain ring in the same manner.

If it is a difficult hill, I use the small front chain ring, and shift to bigger and bigger rear rings until I get to the biggest, then I just go the best I can. If it gets too hard, I stop, rest, and resume riding- I try not to walk. Usually I recover enough in a couple minutes to continue on.

If, on flats or easy hills, I notice my speed dropping, I stand and pedal faster for a few rounds to get my speed/cadence back up.

Hope that helps!

Nanci

PS- After two edits, I think I finally have big and small straight!