Power Grips -vs- Toe Clips (pedal stroke skipping)

[Tuckervill]

I think you're not riding in the appropriate gear, or the chain is getting stuck. Check everything, not just the cranks.

Karen

[Catrin]

My trainer thinks that I was probably spinning too fast for the gear - and I do admit that the whole shifting thing is a mystery to me - though I do understand how to do it. I just don't know what gear to be in when. This is the first time that the chain has fallen, and it was right after I attempted to shift. Practice makes perfect

I do understand what combination of gears to avoid - but it will take practice to learn what gears to use when... This may be at least a part of the problem, or not, time will tell. Thanks again for all of the comments and advice, it is appreciated!

[kimikaw]

Catrin,

What really helped me with gearing was having a cadence meter. Currently, I have a target cadence when riding of 85rpm. I've noticed when riding if I get into my sorta auto-pilot pedaling mode, I can tell when to shift based on my cadence. When it starts to drop, I need an easier gear, as it goes up I need a harder gear.

I think once you start riding for longer periods, you'll start to discover a feel to both the gearing and your pedal stroke (I'm still struggling with efficient pedal strokes, based on feedback from the trainer in my cycling class).