Originally Posted by
trunolimit
So technique is the answer to this problem. I lack technique. I am curious on the proper way to ride a bike. How do you know when to be on what gear? I'm sure professional racers know exactly what the most efficient way to transfer power to the road is.
Also the SHIMANO TIAGRA FC-4603 is pretty cheap. any thoughts on that?
As to technique.......you just do it more and get a feel for it......if your running 30+ with the wind at your back and you make a 90 degree turn you know you will be coming off the big ring up front, and when you go to the small ring you may have to come up a few cogs in the back, same deal if you start to climb, or the reverse if you start a downhill. You will get to where you can shift both front and rear at once and end up in almost the same exact ratio, but you have added room to shift in the direction your eyes seeing the road and your feeling of the wind tells you that you will need.
shifting should never really be a "surprise" unless something nasty starts chasing you (happens)