When Do You Change Gears On A Mountain Bike

When you change gears on a mountain bike, you should shift to a lower gear when going downhill. The reason for this is that the chain will be in contact with the ground and the rear wheel will lose traction.

The opposite is true for uphill riding. You should shift to a higher gear when going uphill because the chain will be in contact with the ground less and there will be more traction on the rear wheel.

Do you shift gears while pedaling?

Shifting your gears while standing still stretches the cables and strains the derailleurs. Remember, you have to be pedaling before the bike will change gears.^[1]

How do you know when to switch gears on a bike?

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.^[2]

What gears should I use on my mountain bike?

If you’re concerned with optimizing performance and don’t want to give up gears on the climbs or descents, then 2×10 is likely the better choice for you. Benefit of 2×10 gearing on long climbs: Many cyclists want lower granny gears for long climbs, particularly when training and racing at altitude.^[3]

What does changing gears on a mountain bike do?

What are the gears for on a mountain bike? Gears allow you to change the pedaling speed (known as cadence) and effort required when riding up or down a hill. The mechanics are pretty simple, by changing the gear ratio, you are changing the amount of forward distance per pedal stroke.^[4]

Which gear is best for cycling uphill?

Low Gear = Easy = Good for Climbing: The “low” gear on your bike is the smallest chain ring in the front and the largest cog on your cassette (rear gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the easiest and you’ll be able to pedal uphill with the smallest amount of resistance.^[5]

Do you need to stop Pedalling when changing gears?

While you are shifting gears, you must keep pedaling in order for the chain to move from one gear to the next. When you’re in a particular gear and pedaling, the chain is pulling on the teeth of that gear.^[6]

Is gear 1 high or low on a bike?

Gear ‘1’ on a bike is a low gear: this is the same for gears in a car. This gear is best for climbing, riding over difficult terrain, and riding slowly. This gear may also be referred to as the ‘easy’ gear.^[7]

What is the easiest gear on a mountain bike?

Low Gear. The low gear is the “easy” gear and is primarily used when climbing. The low gear is the smallest chain ring in the front, and the largest cog on the rear cassette. In this position pedaling will be easiest and the least amount of force will be required to push the pedals.^[8]

What gear should I use on a flat road?

High Gear. This one is great for descending, accelerating, or for use when you want to go nice and fast on a flat road. In a high gear, you travel a long way for each turn of the pedal.^[9]

What is gear 7 on a bike?

Number 1 on your right shifter is the easiest gear for climbing hills, as it puts your chain on the largest rear sprocket. Number 7 on your right shifter is the hardest gear for going really fast, and it puts your chain on the smallest rear sprocket.^[10]

What gear ratio is best for climbing?

The best mountain bike gear ratio for climbing is 46 to 49 on a chainring and 16 to 18 on a cassette. For more diverse rides, mountain bike gears of ratios 46/17 to 42/17 are what work for flatter terrain or occasional hills. However, with that being said, the perfect ratio usually depends on the terrain you’re riding.^[11]

When should you shift gears?

Depress the clutch. Move the shifter up to the next highest gear. Release the clutch while pressing down on the gas.^[12]