Keep a steady, fairly quick spin (a cadence of roughly 70–90 pedal turns a minute) rather than grinding a heavy gear. When it gets harder, shift easier early; when it gets easy, shift harder. Always ease off the pedals as you shift.
What the shifters do
- Right hand → rear gears (cassette). Your everyday, fine adjustments.
- Left hand → front gears (chainrings), if fitted. Big jumps: one ring for the flat, an easier ring for climbs. Many modern bikes have one front ring ("1x") and no left shifter.
Easy vs hard: an easy gear is a small front ring with a big rear cog — your legs spin fast for little effort, ideal for hills. A hard gear is a big front with a small rear — more speed, more effort.
Don't cross-chain
The chain doesn't like running at a steep sideways angle — big front with the biggest rear cog, or small front with the smallest. This is cross-chaining: it's noisy, wears the chain, and can throw it off.
Habits that make it click
- Shift before you need to Change to an easier gear as the hill starts, not once you've stalled.
- Ease off as you shift Keep pedalling but lighten the pressure for the moment the chain moves across.
- One gear at a time Let each shift complete before the next so the chain settles.
- Use the front for big changes If you're spinning out or grinding after several rear shifts, change the front ring, then tidy up with the rear.
Clunky or hesitant shifting usually isn't your technique — it's the rear derailleur needing a small adjustment. See Skipping gears.