What is the best way to change gears on a road bike?

Twisting the dial forward will move the chain into a smaller, harder gear in the rear (right hand) and a smaller, easier gear in the front (left hand). Twisting the dial back will move the chain into a larger, easier gear in the rear (right hand) and a larger, harder gear in the front (left hand).

When should I use the L gear?

Low gear is very useful when you encounter a steep hill or extended downgrade. That’s because your brakes work hard when descending, maintaining your speed and fighting gravity as you drive. In regular conditions, this prolonged stress can cause your brakes to overheat – which can even lead to failure!

How do you change gears on a bike?

For most mountain and hybrid style bikes with flat bars, you shift the gears by using set paddles that you operate with your thumb. Some bikes operate with “grip shifters”, or a dial that is located to the inside of where you place your hands. For these systems, you change gears by rotating the dial forward and back.

When to shift gears bike?

When to Shift. You want to shift to an easier gear on hills (climbs) or when you’re riding into the wind. Use a harder gear on flats or if the wind is blowing from behind (a tailwind). When in doubt, shift before the terrain changes, especially on hills.

How do you adjust the gear shift on a bicycle?

Adjusting your Gears Raise the bike off the ground on a bike stand. Locate your derailleurs . Diagnose your shifting problems by testing each gear. Find the cable adjusters. Shift to your “problem gear.”. Loosen your cable adjuster if the chain won’t shift down. Tighten your cable adjuster if your chain won’t shift “up.”.

How do you use bicycle gears?

Using Bike Gears To begin with, start in your small chainring up front. Get on your bike and become familiar with changing your back gears with your right shifter. Get comfortable shifting through the gears (while avoiding cross chaining) before you start shifting with the front gears as well.