How to change gears on your bike

Gears let you pedal comfortably on flats, hills, and into wind. Learning to change gear smoothly is one of the most useful skills a new rider can learn.

Know your shifters

Most bikes have one shifter for the front gears and one for the rear. The rear gears give small steps, the front gears give big steps. Practise in a quiet place first, so you know which lever does what without looking down.

Shift early and ease off

Shift before you need the gear, not when you are already struggling. Ease off the pedals for a moment as you shift, then pedal smoothly again. Shifting under hard load causes clunks, wear, and sometimes a dropped chain.

Use the full range sensibly

Avoid extreme combinations, such as the smallest front gear with the smallest rear gear, because the chain runs at a sharp angle and wears faster. Use the rear gears for fine changes, and the front gears when the terrain changes a lot.

Practise on different terrain

Try hills, flats, and wind on purpose. Learn which gear feels right for each, and practise shifting while staying relaxed. Smooth gear changes soon become automatic.

Q: Why does my chain drop when I shift?

A: It is often caused by shifting under load, a bent derailleur, or a limit screw that needs adjusting. Shift gently first, and have the gears checked if it keeps happening.

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