1. Gear Basics
Your bike has two shifters:
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Front derailleur: Controls 1-3 chainrings (large changes in effort).
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Rear derailleur: Manages 7-12 cassette sprockets (fine-tuning).
Key Combinations:
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⚡ Big chainring + small cog = Harder (speed/downhills)
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🌱 Small chainring + big cog = Easier (climbs/headwinds)
2. When to Shift
Follow this mantra:
"Shift before you struggle."
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Climbs: Shift to easier gears before the hill.
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Downhills: Shift harder to accelerate.
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Flat terrain: Maintain mid-range gears.
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Headwinds/startups: Use lighter gears.
3. Pro Shifting Techniques
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Pedal lightly: Ease pressure on pedals while shifting.
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Avoid cross-chaining: Never pair:
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Smallest chainring + smallest cog
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Largest chainring + largest cog
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Anticipate: Shift early for smooth transitions.
4. Troubleshooting
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"My gears crunch!" → Shift with lighter pedal pressure or get derailleurs adjusted.
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"Can I shift both at once?" → Shift front/rear separately to prevent chain jumps.
Remember: Gears exist to save effort, not add it. Practice finding your rhythm!
