1. Do you switch hands when you are shifting front vs rear derailleurs?
No. I use the right hand mostly. If I only need to change the front, then the left hand. If need to immediately change the rear, I will not switch but use the left hand to do the RD as well. I have learned to use either hand but use the right most of the time.

2. Do you place your fingers on the down tube to stabilize your hand when shifting?
Only for up shifts and then on the front side of the tube. I do place my right thumb on the base of the lever and use the index finger as a hook when down shifting. This the approach I use until I know how much to move the lever to shift cleanly. I use my ears as much as my hands when learning to shift!

3. Do you use your thumb and index finger to push/pull the shift lever forward and backward?
No. See above. Mostly, when upshifting, I will "hit" the RD lever with the index fingner between the joints. I have learned how long to contact the lever to move it the right amount for the shift. This approach is really fast. Once I know how far to "rotate" the lever for downshifting , I only use the index as a hook to pull back.

4. How to you shift and brake at the same time?
Don't as a rule and can't think of a time when I did. If I am braking, I am not pedaling so shifting has no effect. I will shift prior to applying my brakes if I am coming to a stop or slowing down. I will guess which gear I need to continue either from a stop or lower speed. I may shift several times as I think I am going to continue then realize I am stopping.

5. What else do I need to know technique-wise?

• Shift with minimum or no load (pedal pressure)
• Anticipate early that you need to shift and learn when a good time is to get into the correct gear.
• Learn what the ratio's are of your gear train to know the sequence and in spacing. This way you will know how to shift for the maximum benefit to keep your cadence even.
• Learn how to get the torque setting on the levers to the best level. Over torquing will require too much effort, under will cause your RD to upshift when you are climbing a hill!
• I enjoy learning how to use mechanical "things". Effective friction shifting can be very rewarding but takes a period of time to learn how to do without thinking. Each bike is different too!
• You can shift without riding by putting the pedal in the 1:00 position, move the lever to the position you need or the far as it will go, lift the rear wheel using the back of the saddle, rotate the crank with you hand or foot to complete the shift.

Above all have fun and don't be distracted to the point of having an accident! Better to lift the rear wheel to shift then go for an ambulance ride. I've done both and prefer the former. No the ambulance ride was not a result of shifting distraction, it was a young uninsured lady who didn't look when she turned in front of me.