Originally Posted by
snarkypup
I know that when it gets too easy to pedal, I shift up. When it gets hard, I shift down. I bet there's more to it than that.
Yes, but not much more, just 2 more things:
1) Plan ahead. You know a hill is coming, so shift down
before it gets really hard (or up before it gets really easy).
2) Practice. Experience makes (1) easier.
Once you get good at that part, there are refinements to technique, but that'll get you a long ways down the road.