Beginner Gear Shift

[ahsanrz]

Hello All,

 

I am new to MTB and just purchased my first MTB (GT Karakoram 4.0) and already started to get use to it by riding some road and off patches but not the proper MTB trail.

 

My MTB has 3x8 Gear shifting and I am still not able to learn which is best combination for road/off-track efficient riding.

 

Can someone explain or suggest best gear combinations for different terrains/trails/uphill/downhill.

 

Many thanks in advance.

 

Regard

[Eugene]

Just ride until you get the feel of it. You will soon learn how and when and what gear to change into.

[Thomo]

Can someone explain or suggest best gear combinations for different terrains/trails/uphill/downhill.

 

 

Best for me may not be best for you.!

As Eugene suggested, ride and learn through experience.

I would suggest keeping it in easier gears to start, especialy on inclines, so as to avoid getting caught in a gear which is to heavy.

[shaper]

There is no wrong and right gear, it is as Eugene says, whatever suits you based on your fitness and terrain you are on.

 

Welcome to the world of cycling and MTBing, enjoy and have fun!!

[Inusc]

Found this on bicyclings website

Smart Shifting

Get the most from your engine by being in the right gear at the right time.

 

ByBrian Fiske

Tags:Cadence,Climbing

 

http://www.bicycling.com/sites/all/themes/zen/bicycling/images/print_icon.jpg

 

 

 

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Cyclists are weak. No, we're not singling anyone out—even the fastest pros have a maximum power output that's roughly the equivalent, in horsepower, to a Go-Ped scooter. Gears let us maximize our low-power motors on the bike; specifically, being able to choose a gear that keeps us in our cadence comfort zone, the point at which we can pedal seemingly indefinitely without flailing around or succumbing to a muscle-scorching slow grind.

If you really want to rock the gears, though, you need to know when to shift outside your comfort zone, into a slightly higher (harder) or lower (easier) gear, even momentarily, to suit what you hope to accomplish on the bike. While the old adage "shift early, shift often," still applies, you should add "shift smart" to the mix. Here's how to do it in four common situations.

The Situation: A long, gradual road climb

The Shift: This is usually the easiest shifting situation, after flat terrain. At the base of the climb, you should be in your comfort-zone gear--it varies from rider to rider, but for most of us it's in the 90-revolutions-per-minute range. When your cadence starts to slip, ease the pressure off the pedals slightly and shift into an easier gear. Remember, shifting in the front means a big resistance change; rear shifts are for fine-tuning your cadence. If you need to stand, shift up a cog or two in the rear; the slightly harder gear will allow a smooth transition. Shift between these sitting and standing gears as you make your way up the climb.

The Situation: A moderately steep, twisty, rocky descent on your mountain bike; the trail ends smoothly before transitioning to a long climb

The Shift: This is a heavy shifting situation. On the way down the slope, you'll want to shift around to stay on the harder-geared side of your comfort zone, so you can power out of corners and over most obstacles. (But don't stray too far—if you get hung up on something, you'll want to be in a gear you can manage at a slower pace.) During the transition, soft pedal and shift to the lower gear you'll need to start the climb—you want to be in your comfort zone at the beginning of the uphill.

The Situation: A group road ride that's heading into a sprint-finish area

The Shift: The biggest mistake most of us make in just-for-fun sprints is telegraphing our move--we suddenly (and noisily) shift into much higher gears, alerting everyone to our intentions. Surreptitious presprint shifting is partially done in advance (with the front chainring) and partially on the fly--you need to be in only a slightly harder gear to start, as upshifts in the rear can be managed after you jump. Move up one gear at a time, spinning out each gear (meaning faster than your comfort zone) before shifting again.

The Situation: A rock-strewn, technical climb on your mountain bike

The Shift: Use too low a gear on a loose, technical climb and you'll spin the rear wheel, lose momentum, and come to a halt. To avoid that, climb in a slightly higher-than-comfort-level gear, which helps the rear tire grip the terrain and gives you leeway for the short power bursts needed to ascend larger rocks or log step-ups. Don't expect to reach the top of the climb without feeling your muscles burn—in a good way, of course.

[Wimmas]

It differs from person to person but there are a few basics.

 

You want your cadence in the 80-100 range if possible (the number of revolutions your crank does in 1 minute). Newbies tend to ride in a gear that's too high and quickly wear themselves out and drain their energy. You shouldn't be spinning at a cadence of 120 the whole route but also not look like you're doing a Sunday drive through the neighbourhood.

 

Shift gears as you would with your car. If you slow down or stop, gear down before hand or while slowing down. When you pull off the bike is in a light enough gear to move forward as quick as possible.

 

Always look at the trail a few meters infront of you. If you're on a decline and approaching an incline, especially if it's sudden, shift down before hand. Try and avoid shifting on the front chainrings will doing an incline and even if you shift on your rear cassette while on an incline, try and keep as little as possible tension on the chain when shifting. If your chain is under a lot of tension on an incline and you shift, you can hear the pain your chain is going through as well as the teeth on your chainrings and cassette, so when shifting on an incline, pedal a bit slower (remove some tension).

 

Then your components will last longer.

Edited August 27, 2013 by Wimmas

[ahsanrz]

@All - many thanks guyz for your valuable feedback.

 

Much appreciated.

 

Thanks

[Jewbacca]

Or just ride a single speed....

[Eugene]

Or just ride a single speed....

 

That's is the same as using an abacus when we have calculators.

[Jewbacca]

That's is the same as using an abacus when we have calculators.

 

Is it Eugene? Or is it the ultimate in strength, challenge, riding skill and sheer enjoyment?

 

Its more like watching people use calculators while you do the arithmetic in your head......

[Uni]

as someone who still gets in wrong 8 months down the line - my biggest advice (which I'm still trying to remember) is to shift down when stopping. So many times I've found myself stopping before a hill to brace myself, and not changing gears only to find myself unable to get off again.

 

but learn we do .. slowly.