Front Shifter
Your front shifter is located on the left side of your handlebars and controls your front derailleur. Some shifters have number indicators that tell you which gear you are using.
Rear Shifter
Your rear shifter is located on the right side of your handlebars and controls your rear derailleur.
Derailleurs
Derailleurs control how far your chain moves with each click of the shifter. They also limit how far your chain can travel in each direction to prevent your chain from falling off.
Front Gears
When you shift your front gears, or chainrings, you make big changes to your pedal resistance. Most recreational bikes come with three chainrings. The smallest chainring makes it easiest to pedal, the middle works well for flats, and the largest gives you the most pedal resistance.
Rear Gears
Most rear gears come together on a cassette made of eight to 10 sprockets. Shifting these gears makes small changes to the pedal resistance. The larger the sprocket, the easier it will be to pedal.
Cross Chaining
Do not use an extreme front and rear gear combination. For example, do not pair the easiest chainring with the hardest rear gear. Cross chaining your gears like this puts too much stress on your chain.
Article Written By Kathrine Cole
Kathrine Cole is a professional outdoor educator. She teaches rock climbing, backpacking, cycling, and bike maintenance classes. She is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Trainer.
