Changing Gears When Cycling
Knowing what your multi speed cycling gear does will allow you to climb hills with comfort instead of standing up and pumping to get to the top of the hill. They also allow you to go faster when you’re going down a hill or when you have the wind pushing you from behind.
Every cyclist has pedaling speed and an amount of resistance from the pedals. When pedaling at your pedaling speed, you put the strongest amount of power that you can sustain. Select your pedaling by shifting gears. The gear needs to fit your pedaling speed.
Higher gears will put more resistance on your pedals. If you choose a higher gear, it will force your pedaling speed to slow down. Pedaling slower than the speed you want is a waste of energy. Not to mention that you’re putting lots of strain on your legs, this will increase your chances of muscle strain. Lower gears makes the pedals turn easier. Having your gears shifted high is not better exercise, this is all an illusion.
Pedaling faster than your ideal speed will give you a small burst of speed, but you will also tire yourself out too soon if you’re trying to maintain speed.
Remember that pedaling at a high gear is good for building muscle, but it does very little for cardio and does very little for your lungs and heart. Going at a lower gear with rapid pedaling will keep the legs flexible and prevents wear and tear on your joints.
With toe clips or clipless pedals, it helps in making it much easier to pedal at a faster speed. This also helps with safety by preventing your feet from slipping off of the pedals. It will take awhile to get use to, but I guarantee that one day you’ll be glad that they are there.
When shifting gears, try to visualize where the chain is, rather than trying to memorize the positions of the shift control. The sprockets that close to the middle of the bicycle give the lower gears. This is the small one and the large rear. The outer ones give the higher gears. These are the large front and the small rear.
With enough practice, you’ll find it will become second nature and will shift without thinking about it.