Tips for Changing Gears of a Mountain Bike
The last time i owned a bike it had a banana seat and silver streamers. My boyfriend was determined to get me on a best mountain bike, so i bought a cheap mountain bike with all sorts of fancy gears. It looked a lot more complicated then when i was 10, but how hard could it be?
First, it was so hard i felt like pushing boulders. Then, i push some buttons and the chain spun so fast the foot pedals smacked me in the back of the leg and i couldn’t make any traction. Apparently, i needed some tips for changing gears of a comfortable bike.
Tips for Changing Gears of a Mountain Bike
The Basics
The purpose of shifting gears is to make it easier to go up hills and safer pedaling down them. Shifting correctly allows you to keep a constant pace. It is all about allowing you to develop a rhythm. When you peddle too hard and it causes you to bike slowly and puts strain on your knees.
To little pressure can cause the pedals to snap on the back your heels and you don’t get very far. The basic physics are pretty straightforward. Use a lower gear to make pedaling easier while going up hills. Then, shift to a higher bike gear when you are going down.
Bike Basics
It’s important to have a little background on the basic mechanics of you best mountain bike reviews. Your bike chain turns different sized sprockets on the front and back of your good mountain bike.
The size of the sprockets determine how easy or difficult turning it will be When you shift gears a derailleur moves your chain from one cog to another, allowing you to adjust the pressure.
Unlike our banana bikes, a mountain bike will require some maintenance. A little TLC will protect your bike for years to come. It is important to lubricate your chain and shifter cables.
You will also want to oil your chain and derailleur linkages on a regular basis. Check your cables often for damage and fraying and keep your derailleur and sprockets clean.
Keep Pedaling
Before you do any shifting, make sure you’re pedaling at a brisk pace you need to keep paddling while shifting gears. because the chain has to be moving in order to derail it from one sprocket to the other. Shifting when your chain isn’t moving will harm your cables and make an obnoxious, grinding noise.
It will take some time to figure out how fast you want to peddle, but getting to an appropriate speed before shifting gears will help both you and your bike.
Ease Up
Shift gears when pedaling becomes either too hard or too easy to maintain your preferred rhythm. Remember the goal shifting is to maintain a constant cadence.
When it is time to shift gears, ease up on the pedals as you shift. This momentary lightning will allow you to make a smooth gear change. It is also easier on your bike.
Don’t forget to Gear Down
If you are using lower numbered gears on the left, be sure to also use lower gears on the right. Likewise, with the higher gears.
Basically, you don’t want to use your large sprockets in the front with the large ones in the back or the small ones with the small ones. Matching the left and the right will protect your chain line and give you a affordable bike ride.
Be Gentle Treats your Gears Gently
You should be able to switch gears easily and efficiently without force. With practice, you will be able to predict the upcoming terrain so you can shift gears before you need the change in rotation. Peddle while you are shifting, but remember to back off when you have completed the shift.
Keep in mind, it is important to think about your drivetrain, chain rings, cogs, derailed, and chain while you are shifting. You will want to be sure to keep those things in good order. Shifting smoothly will reduce wear and tear on the bike.
Bottom Line
Armed with these tips for changing gears of a beginner mountain bike, i was able to hit the road again. It did take me about two hours and several different terrains to be able to shift smoothly and naturally.
But, once i did i was fine down the road. Bikes have come a very long way from the banana seat and streamer days of my childhood.
