Elementary Gear Shift Question
 

Today, I got my new road bike (Trek 2100 double with Ultegra rear derailler and Ultegra pedals). Since I hope to enjoy this gift to myself for many years to come, I want to develop good cycling habits. Some cyclists have told me not to pedal when shifting gears and others said to pedal with light pressure when I shift. Which way do you feel is the best way to shift gears?

Thanks,

Tom :D

Your bike will not shift unless you are pedalling. Just ease up pressure during the shift.

well yea you have to pedal to shift, thats what carries the chain to whatever gear you want. But what you dont want to do is try shifting when you are mashing the pedals up a hill. Shifting under load usually means the shift wont work, or it will be very slow. But under normal pedaling it should be fine. You learn to time when to shift gears