After several rides on my new bike I am getting a little better and more comfortable each time. I haven't ventured out of the neighborhood yet, but Hubby and I are talking about going to one of the local bike paths tomorrow for some longer (short to most of you, longer to us) riding time.

Meanwhile I am trying to increase my knowledge and skill in the art of shifting. I have done some reading and I understand the basic concepts of shifting and which shifter controls which derailleur. I have been riding in low-level foothill neighborhoods with some gentle inclines, nothing too difficult. I've used only the rear derailleur (right shifter).

Here's what I don't understand (please try not to laugh too hard... I'm still learning ): When I have gone as high or low in the rear derailleur as I can go, and I need to shift the front derailleur, do I first need to adjust the rear closer to the middle again before shifting the front?

Case in point: The other night I was out riding in the neighborhood. I shifted the rear into the lowest gear but I wanted it to be even easier. The front derailleur was in the middle, so I down-shifted the front by one click to increase the range. Well, then it sounded as if the chain came off and pedaling became WAY too easy (basically, there was NO resistance) so I shifted the front back up and that fixed it. When I told my husband about this, he explained that I should have first shifted up a little in front before shifting down in the rear. I will understand this better when I go back out and try it.

Can someone explain this to me in a way that a even child (or a complete idiot) could understand? How do I know when it is time to shift the front derailleur. Is there a rule of thumb for this? Am I beyond hope???

I am so afraid of jamming the gears again (like I did 20+ years ago, bad experience) and I don't want that fear to get in the way of having a great time on this bike. I will not give up!

Thanks much,
Jen