I have been riding for about a year. I ride a trek 1000. I am wanting to learn more about shifting gears and what order. I have 3 ring in front and 8 in back. What I am wanting to know is when is it better to down shift to the middle ring and and higher back gear than to ride in the big gear in front and small lowest in back, then shift to the middle ring and run the gears all the way back to the highest gear?

Thanks

Dave