How to use gears on a bike: The only tutorial you need!, by Cycle Maintenance Academy on YouTube. 4 min 21 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 21 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Find the two shifters on your handlebars. The left one controls the front chainrings and the right one controls the rear cassette.
Remember the rule: a lower gear is easier to pedal and a higher gear is harder but faster. Use the right shifter most of the time.
Start on flat ground in a middle gear. Pedal steadily so the chain is moving before you change anything.
To make pedalling easier, click the right shifter toward the lower numbers. To go faster, click toward the higher numbers.
Ease off the pressure on the pedals as you click, but keep them turning. The chain will drop onto the next sprocket.
Use the left shifter only for big changes, like a long climb or a fast descent. Shift the right shifter first, then the left.
Only change gear while the bike is moving and the pedals are turning. Never shift when stopped or pedalling backwards.
Pick a gear you can spin at a comfortable pace. If your legs feel heavy, shift down one gear and try again.
Tips and common mistakes
Avoid crossing the chain: don't use the smallest front ring with the smallest rear sprocket, or the largest with the largest.
Shift down before a hill, not halfway up it, so you keep your momentum.
If a gear skips or rubs, the derailleur may need adjusting rather than more force on the shifter.
Questions
Which shifter is which?
The left shifter moves the front derailleur over the chainrings. The right shifter moves the rear derailleur across the cassette.
Why does my chain make noise when I shift?
A little noise is normal as the chain moves between gears. If it keeps rubbing, the derailleur limits or cable tension may need setting.
Can I change gear when I'm stopped?
No. Derailleur gears need the chain moving to shift, so pedal forward gently as you click the shifter.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
