• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Become a Premium Member
  • About

Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bikes & Gear
  • Training & Health
  • Reviews
  • Cycling Ebooks
    • Ebooks Training
    • Ebooks Skills
    • E-Articles Training
    • E-Articles Nutrition
  • Member Area
  • Newsletter

How Should I Shift for Hills?

Question: I have trouble shifting when I start a steep climb after a fast descent. I pedal hard as the hill begins, but when I shift to an easier gear, the chain grinds. Sometimes the shift from the big to the small chainring doesn’t even happen. How can I shift smoothly and not lose momentum? — Shelly K.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Anticipate shifts, Shelly, and make your gear changes before the chain is under a heavy load. Your description is exactly what happens when the chain is wrapped too tightly around cogs and chainrings.

If you blow it and need to shift when applying lots of force, reduce pedal pressure on the stroke during which the shift takes place.

As soon as the chain makes its move to the larger cog or smaller chainring, resume your power.

That technique is especially helpful for a front shift. As you point out, the chain may be so tight that the derailleur can’t pull it down to the small ring.

Coordinate your left hand with your legs. As you move the gear lever, soft pedal for one stroke. Keep the crank turning but with much less force.

The chain will drop cleanly down. Then resume hard pedaling.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Recent Articles

  • Pearl Izumi Cycling Shoes for 2021 – A Round Up
  • How long to wait after eating to work out?
  • Newsletter Issue No. 961
  • Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4 Gravel Shoe Review

Recent Newsletters

Newsletter Issue No. 960

Newsletter Issue No. 959

Newsletter Issue No. 958

Newsletter Issue No. 957

Newsletter Issue No. 956

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

Our cycling expert editors and writers choose every product we review. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This income supports our site.

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Privacy Policy

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For?

Copyright © 2021 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in