How You Should Be Changing Gears on Your Bike/Bicycle

[@alexmarkev]

Hallelujah! Finally I found that video where someone mentioned the numbers on the trigger. Everybody else is talking about low, high, number of teeth, cross chaining and other technical parameters that adding just more frustration . And finally I found the guy who just pronounced that 1 on the left is used with 1-4 on the right. 2 with 2-8, and 3 with 5-8. Thank you, Sports Shack.

[@MrHunterseeker]

I noticed this too. Everyone wants to make everything sound more complicated than it really is I noticed. Trying to flood the viewer with excessive useless info that has nothing to do with the subject to sound like they know what they are talking about, but just confuses and frustrates the viewer who is looking for a simple answer to the question posed. Like if I type in "beginners guide to bicycle gears" it should be as simplified as possible. Not telling me how many teeth are on each gear or the size of each gap between the gears.

[@dopefresh6231]

Same 😂

[@fekkyb]

Yes he sure cleared things up for me as well. He did a great job explaining it.

[@jfonteneaux24]

Yes! I've watched multiple videos like that. This explained it best.

[@billybull7419]

Bruh. You didnt know how to change gear on a bicycle lol

[@extremelydave]

Here we are 2 1/2 years later and you're still helping people like me... an old "newbie". This is the first time I've seen gearing explained and it hit a 10 on my understanding scale. Thanks!!!

[@LB-rj7fj]

Make that 4 years later...

[@doubledot5296]

@@LB-rj7fj more like 5 Lol

[@Antidepressiva1980]

@@doubledot5296 exactly :D

[@Yogi-Megan]

Hope u guys are ok with it now!! 😂😂😂 Anyways joke or not , Simply summarised like this: High - high (3- 6,7,8) Mid - mid (2 - 4,5,6) Low - low (1 - 1,2,3) Never: High - low Low - high Hope that helps.

[@ladyjane6194]

Same! Am going out right now to apply my newfound knowledge!

[@thepotatoofheaven]

I wish a manual came with every bike purchase that explains this.

[@Ashberryvillage10]

They do but they're terribly written and over complicated

[@terryaraya4524]

actually this video isnt necessary everyone is different some ppl like myself dont like it hard to pedal. if im climbing a hill i peddle in 1st gear i dont have strong legs.

[@noelv1976]

They do lol

[@noelv1976]

@@terryaraya4524 This video is pretty helpful for the novice

[@JosephHaubert]

Nope. Not with Giant

[@djayb83]

I’ve been riding bikes for over 30 years and never knew the gears needed to match up like that. That explains so many issues I’ve had over the years. I always thought it was just bad luck. Thank you.

[@greenpedal370]

I bet you wore out chains and gears like there was no tomorrow.

[@sebastianz.3256]

The bike mechanic was so happy to have you as a customer, sadly only few if them are trying their best to prevent your next visits to them, lol

[@jaskopdx6342]

Also idk how people use their breaks but I always use both at once that way I don't overuse one the rear breaks plus idk if any bike can stop from high speed with just back or front breaks.

[@RandomMetalChick000]

Thank you. My entire life I have only ridden a single speed cruiser, I finally got a budget mountain hardtail from Wal-Mart and had no idea what to do with the gears. This was very short get incredibly informative and super helpful!

[@mberge1]

Is it a steel frame bicycle from Walmart?

[@ernestchoguryan2191]

Walmart 😂🤣

[@V0amtdwtknin]

Duuude, you just changed aaand saved my life. Haven't used my bike since i bought it (almost a year ago), because i was afraid of breaking the chain cause i didn't know how to properly use the gears and everyone said to me "just don't cross them" and i was like "what the eff you mean?!". Reaaaally dude.. Changed my life

[@SportsShackEDM]

Awesome to hear :) Glad I could help.

[@enoll218]

Just look down and see if the chain is too flexed

[@DFX2KX]

Did... did the bike not come with a Manual? Even my cheap Chinese bike came with a manual, English wasn't great, but there where diagrams. The Schwinn manual for the shiny new AL Comp has the same thing. The video did do a good job of explaining *why* you don't do this, though. both of the manuals I have just give the impression that the ratios are duplicated in some combinations, not 'don't let the chain be at extreme angles'. Realistically, I don't think you're likely to snap a chain crossing gears unless you ride your bike *a lot*, or ride it very hard. I've never had a chain snap, and I use cheap Walmart bikes that are notorious for things like that. I've had chains slip, but never had one simply break.

[@vulnerablerummy]

> bought a bike > *doesn't use it for a year, because fear of breaking the chains* ..wtf?? don't buy it then *rich people problems*

[@overPowerPenguin]

Most chains are cheap.

[@shreeyashpandey3530]

Its 3AM and I am doing all usual things that i do on youtube i.e watching random videos. I dont even own a bike!

[@SportsShackEDM]

Thanks for stopping by. Appreciate it.

[@whotelakecity2001]

You should get a bike. It is good for everyone. Especially nowdays?

[@aldricjohndeguzman2029]

Uranium 235 lmao

[@primetime8717]

Watching it at 4:20am

[@Exluto]

@@whotelakecity2001 why especially nowadays?

[@72matt19]

This is the best explanation of gearing that I have ever seen. Thanks!

[@SportsShackEDM]

Thank you so much. I'll be making another one on when to shift before you hit the uphill, and a few others. Glad this video was helpful!

[@imranvp]

But it's meant for a 3x drivetrain. I have a 2x. How to change gears on that?! I just don't know :(

[@DadMichoMurphy]

@@imranvp You shift the same way as described here, just use the big ring for the smaller size cogs in the back, the small ring for the bigger size cogs in the back. Visually watching the chain: front inside - back inside, front outside - back outside.

[@gummybear41283]

soooo confusing

[@daitedve1984]

not best, toady!

[@YuunaAndCuddles]

I felt like an absolute noob thinking that all 21 gears (3 front, 7 rear) are available for selection. Wish every bicycle had an instruction manual like this. Many thanks guys, this really educated me.

[@danilovukovic1972]

@Swamp Yankee yeah this video is a load of bullshit... not a word said about power ratios between gears

[@JuiceAddiction]

@@danilovukovic1972 nah it's not.

[@zodiark2456]

@@danilovukovic1972 no it isnt bullshit you dumbass

[@OneNidim]

@@danilovukovic1972the ratios are relatively self explanatory. It’s the same as a car. Higher gear for higher speeds. Lower gear for lower speeds but more torque like when you need to go uphill

[@israelmora8296]

I really appreciate explaining this gears speed changing ! It now makes a lot of sense. I always thought the big one meant faster

[@staylucky4727]

Same

[@fl3x_exe]

SAME xD

[@Shxxib]

Bigger the number the higher the speed but hard to pedal XD

[@mateuszkrytyk5711]

I mean.... That is the point You go faster

[@WhatsInAName222]

Wow! I’ve been doing it wrong for a while. This is a truly useful video. The camera angle illustrates the problem very clearly. This is why I get an irritating sound when I’m on 3 in the front and 1 in the back, a position I find myself in often. As I move to higher gears in the back the sound goes away. I will apply these rules on my next ride. Thank you for sharing this.

[@lcmojo]

5 years later, this video is still relevant and useful to sooo many folks! Well done! I'm ashamed to say that...umm, I was just able to change my hubby's back wheel tire/tube but absolutely had no idea (and I have my own bike) how to change gears...the RIGHT WAY! I just went by whatever felt and sounded right.😅 Thanks for being very technical and giving us the visual!

[@garrettfeury3505]

Was taught this by the bike technician my dad purchased my first real mountain bike from when I was about 12 which was a GT Rebound that I still ride to this very day. Aside from New shifters handlebars and front fork this bike has been more than a damn good bike! Its been kept inside its entirety as well and I've maintained it. I'm 35 now and I'm ready to retire my rebound and pick up a new gt but I have ridden this bike hard and fast over the time I've owned it and hands down it's always put an enormous smile on my face and kept me in the good ol outdoors.

[@AnshulYadav-zc9uq]

absolute chad of a cycle you have, mate.

[@CLOWNBOT00]

What a great video. I don't even understand why it has *ANY* dislikes, whatsoever. Basically, I've been bike riding since for a long time, and now that I'm bike riding more, I finally started to care more about the numbers on the left handle bar. It always stayed at one, but now, I know what to do with it. Happy Safe cycling, bikers! 🚴🚵

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

I remember my old triple chainring. There were gears with the same ratio on each chain ring like 1-7 to 2-5. I'd shift both at the same time from 1-6 to 2-5. But now I mostly use a 1x11 . Although you can definitely shift uphill, I do it all the time, just don't shift under load. Slow the pedalling , shift and speed up.

[@dopefresh6231]

Finally a video that makes sense

[@uvwuvw-ol3fg]

What about half-step gearing.

[@amyharr2447]

My thoughts exactly 😊👍 Great vid!! Thank you 🙌

[@bscirex]

Right?! This was so easy to understand

[@mai.vancon]

Ikr. I haven’t used my bike since I bought it 3 years ago cos I don’t know to use it properly and I’m scared I might break it. Now I can go out for a bike ride around the neighbourhood. 🙂👍

[@ameeromedia5883]

Finally!! A video with a Clear explanation of gears and shifting!!

[@JT-fn4eu]

I’ve been riding bikes for 37 years and have never been shown that . THANKYOU bro

[@erntaku]

6 years later and this video is still helpful. I recently inherited a mountain bike with Shimano shifters which weren't around when I last owned a multi-speed bike. You helped me get closer to being familiar with my "new"bike. Thanks!

[@A_Brion]

Thanks, not sure why others don't explain the angles like you did. Finally, I understand 😅

[@thefestivalofatonement2470]

I bought my bike shortly after you uploaded this, strange that I couldn't find this when I needed it 2 years ago, but clear instructions w/a visual aid makes this one of the better vids in gear shifting.

[@katythompson3428]

At last, a sensible, well explained tutorial on gearing. Thank you. Now I understand.

[@Karlinski73]

At last, a video that goes into the basic practicalities of gear shifting instead of endless theory about ratios and how gears work. Much appreciated. 👍

[@juliolopezmontalvo]

Finally someone explaining the mechanics everybody needs to know, thanks!

[@pauldevine8090]

I knew that I wasn't supposed to strain the limits when I was in 1 or 3 up front, but I was never quite sure if it was in one direction or both. Really appreciate the breakdown and visuals with the overlays here. It made a lot of sense!

[@petersardella4256]

Finally, someone explained this in a way that I can understand. Great video. The camera angle, looking along the chain really clarified the point. 👍

[@SportsShackEDM]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardnealbey1602]

Thanks because this makes cycling much easier fighting heart disease. ❤️

[@siddharthsrinivasan4518]

I've looked at several gears and this is the best one that explains the concept very simply.

[@SportsShackEDM]

Thank you for that comment. I try to make all my videos simple to understand. Hope to make more. Thanks again.

[@vineetmani452]

Just went through a bunch of videos to understand gears on a bike.. this one is undoubtedly the best .. the most practical and helpful explanation .. Great work and thanks a ton! .. YT, pls make this the top recommended video on this topic.

[@Escandella118]

Great video!! Finally someone who explains it in a way that makes it easy to understand for beginners. Exactly what I was looking for: Which gear numbers are compatible, which are not. My new bike will be grateful and so am I!

[@JohnA000]

I watched several of these gear changing videos and the others were confusing. Yours was excellent. Thanks for clear, concise explanation.

[@rev_dude]

Good explination of the basics, the only thing I would say is that you can change gears on the uphill. You just have to make the shift when you are not pushing hard on the pedals - at the top or bottom of a pedal stoke, then don't push too hard until you hear the chain make the shift. Of course it is ideal to be in the proper gear before starting up a hill, but if you have to change in the middle of it you can with the right technique.

[@somewhat.random]

"Never change gears uphill" LOL. I get it, this is for beginners. As you become a more experienced rider you'll realize there are exceptions for every beginners rule, just as you'll realize gearing/shifting for mountain biking is completely different than gearing/shifting for road riding. And if you don't think that's true, you haven't done both.

[@paulhorn2665]

Well never change gears under pressure...same like driving a car. There you disengage the clutch before shifting, but the reason is roughly the same!

[@dac518]

As someone who I had gone from bmx, to mountain, I am thankful for this comment because I figured shifting gears feels the same.

[@Elucidus]

I agree. After a new rider has gotten used to the basics of shifting, you can learn the finesse at the pedal. Trying to downshift from a dead stop is going to make for some awful noise. I’ve certainly made the occasional mistake of coming up to a light, going back up the tree in the back only to find out I didn’t pedal down enough when I get ready to cross the street. Sounds awful. You certainly can shift down (or up) while climbing. But it requires a delicate touch. For me, I think of it similarly to maintenance throttle in a car. Apply just enough pressure to the pedals to keep them spinning, but not so much that you’re really putting your weight down on them. As long as the cranks are spinning and not having significant torque being applied, the downshift should be very smooth.

[@snorman1951]

If ever a gear change was needed, it would be on an uphill climb. Perhaps never is not the right word? I nominate "carefully".

[@dac518]

@@snorman1951 not carefully, but "under low amounts of torque" or reduce torque momentarily. Even if it means a sudden decrease in speed,

[@skixxzerx1168]

Thank you so much for making this! Just upgraded to a Marlin 5 from a Huffy Nightrider (HUGE upgrade!) and I was getting confused with how the shifting worked. You explained very simply and having no issues now! Thanks a million!

[@skixxzerx1168]

@@Andres-it6sf Congrats to you anyway, and merry Christmas!

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Interesting. I've never heard this before, about matching the correct range of gears between the front and rear chainrings so as to minimize strain on the system. Makes sense. I just bought a new bike today and will try to put that into practice. I imagine the new 1x drivetrains take care of this issue all on their own, but with up to 12 gears on the cassette, the chain must be at a less-than-ideal angle on the outside gears. Cheers.

[@dhanapillai4577]

Finally a good tutorial video - gear shifts for dummies. My son and I were looking for someone to enlighten us on this rocket science

[@Wiseindy]

After watching at least 6 videos on the subject, yours was the most helpful. I'm new to riding bikes and wanted to understand how gears work and when I should be changing them. Thank you for this brilliant explanation.

[@Frip36]

No wonder my bike sounds like it hates me. This was really helpful. I thought I could shift however I felt like it.

[@ladyjane6194]

"NEVER change gears on an uphill" is what I needed to hear! I kept returning my brand new bike to the shop, berating the very patient dealer about selling me a dodgy bike because I kept jamming the gears. I owe him a huge apology (🙈). And massive gratitude to you on explaining the gear "ratio". 😊

[@JohnH.Sturgis]

Wish someone would explain why this advice makes sense. Most ppl, then, would end up getting off and walking the bike.

[@El_Rey_247]

First geared bike I used only had one shifter, at the wheel. I never learned how to manage the pedal gears until now. I super appreciate this video, and I'm happy youtube recommended it to me. Video may be 6 years old, but this kind of tutorializing is evergreen content.

[@malikalahmam3609]

Thank you Sports Schack, finally this chaging gears makes sense to me.The way you explained made it easy to follow and understand what's happens when you change gears!

[@adelehinijasan4231]

Finally, a simple clear explanation. Thank you.

[@ladybutterfly5724]

Great video! Reminded me why I was always on 2nd gear on my mountain bike in the 90's. Lowest gear was more leg workout lol uphill if I remember correctly. Different from this example but brings back memory of good riding trails in the forest literally! best memory! rode it hard the first time! Great video for more newer bikes! I think there's a difference, you would know! I enjoy the ride, switch gear accordingly without killing my bike! My kids are avid bikers too! My son Tricks with his bike. I had a BMX growing up around his age! Upgraded to Mountain Bike! Got a little taller lol. Loved it! Happy Riding!

[@r_dubs90]

Just got my new FX1 and I’m loving it. It’s been years since I had gotten on a bike, and I have already noticed I have done this bad angle shift. Thanks to this video I know how to correct it. Thanks for taking the guess work out!

[@dcheard2]

glad i ran into this. i just got back into riding a bike after 20 years or so. just got a new bike a few weeks ago and was wondering why my chain was scrubbing my front derailer.. thought it was a defect but now i know. makes so much sense now.

[@fadybotros2395]

1:33 “so i shart”

[@caidenza]

he said “in short”

[@phillipfrancie7909]

when driving a bike is more complicated then driving clutch

[@SportsShackEDM]

Once you get the idea, its not that bad. Thanks for the comment.

[@jbmunchy3437]

My brother had derailleur problems, and we couldn’t figure out why. After watching it actually makes so much sense now lol

[@SportsShackEDM]

Right! Just remember the hanger can get bent easily and throw off the alignment. Appreciate the comment. Have a great day.

[@jasminejaru]

I searched for how to change gears for bike for years. I watched many of videos but This is only video that explained really nice and clear. Thank you so much!

[@kennethsmith312]

Keep it straight as possible got it ! Thanks for making it simple an understandable

[@riyaz2725142]

Really helpful video for the beginners like me.. thank you for this wonderful informative video. How about if we need to climb up a hill when should we change gear? And exactly in which gear?

[@SportsShackEDM]

That's great to hear... Thats a great question and is a little complicated haha. It does depend on the situation. Length of hill, steepness of hill. Typically, you would be shifting at least to 2nd gear at the front, and you would shift down to 4 to 1. If it's a long distance hill and pretty steep, you'd have to shift to first at the front. That's a good idea for a video, but I'll need help with that one. Thanks for the idea.

[@tuckera1879]

Also shift *before* the hill not *on* the hill

[@DFX2KX]

you try to make an educated guess. if you guessed wrong, and have a smaller gear left on the front, get a couple real good pumps in to get some inertia, and then drop down to 2 (or 1 if you're already on 2) while easing up on the pedaling for a bit. It's still hard on the chain and gears, but less hard on them then trying to get the rear derailur to go back UP. If you really messed up on your guess get off the bike and shift with the rear tire in the air (shift the controls, pick the bike up and give the pedal a good turn or two with the other hand, it'll shift then, repeat until you're in climbing gear)

[@valeryvelez4624]

For a 7 speed bike=21 Hill (1-1 ,1-2, 1-3) flat(2-4, 2-5) down hill(3-6, 3-7)

[@valeryvelez4624]

Change gears always on flat before hils

[@samlo5240]

Thank you for this video! Gosh, after searching how to work the gears for so many days finally found one that explains it the right way! Thank you, once again! 😊

[@SportsShackEDM]

Glad we were able to help.

[@anthonysciabarrasi2611]

don’t even know why i’m watching this i have a 1x

[@KandiKlover]

True but you can always end up riding another bike for a number of reasons in the future whether buying or borrowing.

[@ziting5756]

Get a hydraulic one beo trust me its so good.

[@kermit56780]

.. it's called a fixie unless it's a flipflop #facepalm

[@anthonysciabarrasi2611]

Allen Kemmett no i have a 1x11 not single chain

[@richardkaz2336]

@@KandiKlover Nah, once you ride 1x11 or 1x12 you never ever ride anything else.

[@alancapodanno499]

You not only talked it, you VERY clearly showed it. Love the camera angles. Thank you

[@JakeEllison94]

You explained this very simply. I had no idea that the numbers should correlate to the otherwise. I have risen BMX my whole life and had no idea what I was doing. So much easier now. Thank you!

[@Freakybananayo]

Never thought about that, very interesting.

[@GauravChaarasNegichaaras]

Im going to buy my 1st bike. So I'm collecting all the info I require . This on I pretty clean to understand. Nicely explained. Thank you.

[@artivism4068]

1st bike??? congratulations

[@nikshaqil293]

damn.. i never even used my left gear. i just kept it at Gear 2 and played with the other 8 gears on the right. i now know more 🤔🤔

[@kevinnugent223]

Im just getting into cycling and after the video , i plan on doing the same thing as you with the 2nd gear . Until i get comfortable and figure it out.

[@nikshaqil293]

@@kevinnugent223 yes yes actually its been weeks after watching this vid and Im still not used to it. I still keep it at Gear 2 and just fiddle with the right hand one. Its just too much multi-tasking 😂

[@i_amChrisJxmes]

Lmao me too

[@faye_bulous]

Finally someone’s explains it clearly now it make sense why the chain will go wild! 👏🏾👍🏾

[@SportsShackEDM]

I really appreciate it. Lets me know I did something right. Thanks again.

[@faye_bulous]

@@SportsShackEDM Thanks to your video I understand how the shifting system operates. Before I had no clue and will get crazy noise with my bike chain getting almost tangled up. Now I no longer dreading shift the gears and enjoy smooth rides!!! 🥰

[@hischild8483]

Thank you! You are a good teacher. You simplified what others couldn't. 😊

[@BuddhaMata]

after 2:22 , i let out a big “OOOOOHHHHHHHH i get it now”

[@OllyKilo]

Not even any cycling in this vid and it put me in the mood to go for a cycle just watching the chain going around.

[@maryjoanwright2215]

At last finally understanding my gears !!! Thank You !!!

[@billybull7419]

Mary Joan Wright, thats no good you gombine

[@1dk26.]

Been using my bike for a month and I randomly adjust it because I don't know how they work. You're my lifesaver! Thank you so much.

[@idontbelieveit7820]

Another tip...When not using my bike, I like to leave the chain in the highest gear possible. That is, on the largest front chainring and the smallest rear sprocket. In this position the rear derailleur is not under tension, therefor you will increase its lifespan. The front derailleur will be under tension but they're more bombproof than rear ones and cheaper to replace anyway.

[@JunedKhan-kt6ku]

Best combination for normal use, front 2 and rear 4 or 5...

[@jonatanlepik976]

I think 2 front and 9 rear

[@johnwick3846]

2 front, 6 rear

[@lastone032085]

2 front, 4-6 rear is where I typically ride

[@amyharr2447]

Finally I get it..! Simple demonstrations and explanations, easy to follow and now I understand!! 🚴🙌 Great vid 😊👍 Thanks man 💛

[@SportsShackEDM]

Glad it helped! Love hearing these comments. Thank you.

[@crystalsavy]

Me: Looks behind the bike to see if the chain is perfectly straight Also me: *falls* Nice video tho! U described so well

[@robchomicz7774]

I’ve been riding a bicycle for my entire life and I’m embarrassed to admit I did not know any of this! Thanks so much for the video! ✌🏼💚🤘🏼

[@GMiller75]

This is perfectly explained. A lot just of folk just go into ratios which most folk aren't interested in. Folk don't want to do equations while riding. This video breaks the use of gears down perfectly in easy to remember detail. I know I'll def remember to never cross the streams.

[@pika2031]

I should have just bought a cycle with no gear.

[@SportsShackEDM]

:) Having gears is great to give you options. Hope the video did help a little though.

[@romangp8877]

No gear is ineffective, boring and gives less flexibility regarding surface you cycle.

[@jeygee3736]

Get a fixed gear bike which will be unforgiving you when you encounter a hill.

[@edwardprete]

Really good information. Question however, why then are so many manufacturers now going to a 1x11 or 1x12? Are these designed any different to ensure less wear? I'd imagine it will center align on the 5-6 gear?

[@SportsShackEDM]

Great question. Yes some bikes are coming with the 1x system. You're right, they are more aligned, i'd say more with 8 to 11. With a 1x system, since there is only one chainring, the chain doesn't have to accommodate those changes at the front. Also the chainring in the front has deep teeth to help keep the chain on. The rear derailleur also has a more solid base to prevent the chain from jumping off the front. With only one chain ring, you won't need to use 1-3 as often, only when you are going up steep hills. Nothing really helps with wear, especially if your stuck on one gear most of the time. To help teeth wear though, if you replace the chain before it gets too stretched, you won't have to replace the teeth. Eventually you will have to though. Luckily, chains aren't too expensive, to make your gears last longer. These bikes are made more for mountain biking, not really for speed. But then again, electric bikes are coming more popular. Also more expensive. Overall, I like the fact that, less parts, less problems. No Left shifter, and no front derailleur. Thanks for the question and the comment. Really appreciate it.

[@walterr6776]

I don't know why YT decided I needed to see this, but I needed to see this. Me: ok I'm at 1-7, let's go to 2-1. Now I'm at 2-7, let's shift to 3-1. I almost feel like asking my chains to forgive me for the torture I've been subjecting them to.

[@ix_conscious_xi]

wow, I just got a bike after 20 years of having one. And, the technology for biking has improved a lot. The bike I have has these two gears, and I would ride mostly on 4 & 5 on the right while I have the left on 3..I'm glad I ran across your video. I'm going to try keeping the left on 2 during today's bike ride..Hopefully, this explain why sometimes I hear the chain pop after changing gears. Also, I will try not to change gears when going uphill (when I bring the right gear down to make going uphill easier).

[@TheFos88]

Oh wow. For years I've always thought i knew what I was doing but nope. My usual ride i start out 1 front and 1 rear. Once I hit 5-7 rear, depending on whether I'm about to stop or have a hill to go up, I will go mid gear front. Typically, I don't deviate from mid unless I have to go up a steep hill in which case I bring it all back down to 1st gears. There have been a couple of times though that I'll have the front at 3 and in the rear go from 1 - 7. All in all, in my mind I've always treated the gears as "okay I've gone from 1-7 and I'm getting no resistance, I will go up to mid and once I've done 1-7 there if it's too easy still, I'll go 3rd and do the same there". I had no clue this is not how it is supposed to go. So thanks brother!

[@PeaceNinja007]

Thought I was gonna watch a video of someone double clutching and rev matching a bike.

[@Jydmd]

And here I am with my 1x12 mountain bike

[@davidw2319]

Since you could afford a mtb with 1x12 gearing I'm pretty sure you can afford a new chain every now and then

[@Miant]

@@davidw2319 Still wasteful, though. Maybe upgrade the front sprocket.

[@JaneDoe-em5zn]

i love how this video helps me realize that there's nothing actually wrong with my bike and that i've subconsciously figured it correctly.

[@brendapboyd513]

Who knew? So informative and easy to visually understand. Thanks! So that's what all the clanking is about when I'm shifting gears and when it sounds super noisy, I would just shift to something else until the noisy chains noise disappeared.

[@JayDonatoMusic]

I read im not supposed to do that because of unnecessary tension but never understood why. Perfect explanation, thank you!

[@AulisA.O.T]

4:03 😐 i can't understand (my Brain is Lost!)

[@yungchangsta]

I just got a mountain bike and I’m was wondering why whenever I changed the left shifter it made the chains not work too well.

[@SportsShackEDM]

Well, one it could be that the gears aren't adjusted properly. Depends on what type of shifters and speed you have. If you have friction shifting for an example, you can adjust the shifter where it doesn't rub on the chain. If you have the index shifter, (which is the click version) you may have to adjust the cable tension, or you may be crossing the chain too much where it can rub on the derailleur. Little rubbing is ok, you won't hurt the bike. Also, when changing gears, ease of the pedal so slightly, for a smoother change. When it's new as well, it'll take a bit work in. Hope that helps.

[@jeff15]

@@SportsShackEDM so much math and science involves. Thanks for great info. Learned something new after owning a bike for 20 years. 🤣

[@JC-fu3mg]

THANKS!

[@yakalb93]

Thank you for this video. Explanation was perfect. 10/10

[@nachi1588]

Best video on KZbin explaining why and the hows.

[@dez6345]

Instructions unclear, i now have a 1x

[@SportsShackEDM]

On a 1x, you have nothing to worry about. Just remember der. hangers can be bent, and it could throw off the shifting. Essentially that's all you should worry about.

[@kamaducktanjiquack8849]

Mom: YOUR GONNA CRASH! **Me not even on the bike**

[@Keaguan]

So what about a 1x system, it has all the bad angles when it's either on high and low gears 🗿

[@SportsShackEDM]

That is a great question. Like I mentioned in the video when you are in middle, second gear in the front you are safe anywhere. On a 1X system, the chainring is in the right position to accommodate all angles. And rear derailleurs are made a bit differently so chain doesn’t pop off without the front derailleur.

[@nicoh332]

A narrow wide chainring helps

[@dahui58]

I've now watched about 4 videos on KZbin about shifting and this one was easily the most informative

[@remocreative]

This is SOOO helpful, thanks! I'm new to cycling and I was wondering my my gears were jumping/skipping while using the largest front sprocket (3) and the larger sprockets on the back (4-1) and now this makes sense. I need to adjust the way I change through the gears - many thanks again.

[@thenappanmuthuganeshan1052]

Which gears will go high speed on normal roads i have 21speed gear cycle

[@SportsShackEDM]

The highest numbers create more tension therefore creating more speed as you get going. So a 3(H) on left, and the highest number on the right 7.

[@boniedwa]

1x12 and problem is solved.

[@Coastal_Cruzer]

Yeah but that limits the range of gearing

[@boniedwa]

@@Coastal_Cruzer For amateurs is way more than enough. For pros its enough, thats why all of them are using it.

[@Coastal_Cruzer]

@@boniedwa is chain tension not an issue if you have a wide range?

[@fergussandilands7757]

When you are a real mtber and you have a 1x11

[@joshuachristophers443]

*when you have enough money to get a 1x drivetrain *cries in 3x9 wonky shifting*

[@PSNragglefraggle1]

Sticking to 2x10 on my XC. Much better at technical climbs than my enduro & can get more speed on clear decents

[@fergussandilands7757]

RaggleFraggle you may be right that they have more range but if you have a sram eagle that has a 50t that’s plenty low enough and you save weight

[@ChidiebubeIgboama]

This video was really helpful, before watching this I didn't know how to shift gears on my mountain bike properly but this really helped! I've been looking for many tutorials but none of them helped. This was the only one that explains how your meant to shift gears clearly. Thanks for the vid, keep up the great work!

[@katec9893]

I really appreciated the lack of jargon and clear explanation. In the bike shops I've felt so confused and overwhelmed by the technical jargon I started to tune out and pretend I understood as I was too embarrassed to reveal how much I've forgotten about cycling.

[@glennjones1168]

Im 50 years of age riding bikes for 45 years why is it only now Im finding out this common sense fact I feel so dumb right now

[@SportsShackEDM]

Don't be too hard on yourself. It's been hard for a lot people to explain it properly in the past. Just a couple years ago I found a decent way to explain it simply. So if it took me that long, if anything, I would feel more dumb lol Thanks for the comment. Glad the video helped.

[@aabhinnav]

I don't know why am I watching, I don't even own a bike.

[@ancilodon]

Well, now you know for when you do get one. If you want one. That or you have a conversation starter for shy cyclists.

[@aabhinnav]

@@ancilodon A conversation starter. That's smart! Someday I'll get one, sure.

[@johannsmithe2570]

*Training aid* suggestion from a beginner for other beginning bikers who have a Shimano 3/7 gear shifter. *Color code* the large and small levers on the handles for quick visual recognition as its confusing at first that the lever sizes don't match directions on the left and right handle bars. The *left large lever* is for speed going up to the higher gears on the front chainwheel's three gears while the *right large lever* is just the opposite. Its for slowing down as it goes up on the left side of the seven gear rear derailler. The smaller levers are vice-versa. (The larger size lever is to use more force, with your thumb, to go to the next higher positioned gear. The smaller lever doesn't use as much force as its using gravity to fall down to the adjacent gear.) This is only a temporary memory learning aid. Later, once you learn this you'll use tactile feel to shift. *Left* side (front chain ring 1-3 gears) Large lever - blue/green Small lever - red/orange *Right* side (rear derailler 1-7 gears) Large lever - red/orange Small lever - blue/green Similiar to a traffic light Red/orange means slow down or *downshift* Blue/green means faster or *upshift* (Blue/green and red/orange are 'color blind' friendly as red/green color deficit people will see orange/blue) Use color electrical tape or, adhesive color dots on the lower part of the lever where the fingers don't touch for safety. (Additional, if you have a label maker, put a label on the handlebars, Left handle side - *1* = 1,2,3 derailler gears *2* = 3,4,5 derailler gears *3* = 5,6,7 derailler gears Or, double the gear number, so front gear 1 equals rear gear 2 with adjacent gears 1 and 3. 2 front is 4 rear with adjacent 3 and 5 ... and so on. For the right side handle bar, the reverse, 1,2,3 (rear gears) = 1 (front gear) 3,4,5 (rear gears) = 2 (front gear) 5,6,7 (rear gears) = 3 (front gear) Granted, this is oversimplifying as front gear 2 can cover more rear gears for example.) It helps to imagine the front gears and the rear derailler gears act together as a simple *pulley* . The left side of the gear pairs are for lower speeds while the right side is for faster speeds. Left = slow Right = fast Perhaps, Shimano would use color coded plastic levels. Electricians found out a long time ago to color code the wires. On bikes the cables are the wires. Now, if they could wi-fi the controls to the safety helmet but then the bike mechanics would be required to have a degree in Neurology. *Thanks* for the video

[@mitchellw7118]

Just brought my first bike in years which arrives next week, having previously ridden only fixed wheel bikes or BMX bikes. Thank you for this 🙏

[@MalcolmMcDole]

Thank you for explaining cross chaining from the gears on handle bars. Every other video I’ve seen only talks about large and small rings. 😊