Mountain Bike Gear Shifting Tips

The main benefit of a mountain bike is the ability to shift gears depending on the terrain that you are traveling on. Shifting gears when appropriate can make the ride much more pleasant. Learning what the gears are for and how to shift them will allow you to get the most out of your mountain bike.

• Keep the drivetrain of the mountain bike properly maintained. The drivetrain is what ensures that the gears of a mountain bike work properly. You can maintain the drivetrain by ensuring that the chain, chain rings and cogs are cleaned on a regular basis.

• Listen for the chain to make noises, such as a crunching sound. If you hear this sound coming from the chain of the mountain bike, you need to shift gears. If the chain makes noises regularly, check the chain to ensure that it is the proper length and has not become stretched.

• If you are riding on a smooth terrain and the chain of the mountain bike comes off, you can simply shift it back into place. Pedal lightly while shifting gears to pop the chain back into place on the mountain bike.

• When you are riding down a hill or other terrain you need to have the mountain bike in a high gear. This will help to keep the chain in place and keep it from coming off during your descent.

• When riding on terrains that include steep hills, it is important to shift gears on the mountain bike prior to climbing the hill. During the climb, the pressure on the chain will be high and it is not advised that you shift gears while climbing a hill or mountain. Changing gears while climbing can damage the drivetrain of the mountain bike as well.