How To Change Bike Gears
Shifting gears on a bicycle is necessary for traveling over varying terrain. While it is theoretically possible to pedal uphill, downhill, and over flat terrain in a single gear, cycling will be much more pleasant and less arduous if you shift through the gears. Shifting to a higher gear lets you go faster on level or downhill terrain. Downshifting makes going uphill easier.
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Instructions
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Start riding the bike. The bike must be moving and your pedals should be turning--without applying pressure--to shift. To make uphill riding easier, shift to a lower gear (larger gear in the back, smaller gear in the front). To go faster on flat or downhill riding, shift to a higher gear (small in back, large in front).
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If you are downshifting with a grip-type shifter, turn the gear shift on either handlebar end to a smaller number. The left handle controls the front gears; the right handle, the rear gears. You can shift either or both to get the result you want.
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If your bike uses trigger shifters, to upshift, click the bigger trigger on the left handle bar or the smaller trigger on the right handlebar. To downshift, click the smaller trigger on the left handle bar or the bigger trigger on the right handlebar.
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For bar-end shifters, depress them to downshift and lift them to upshift. Again, you can use either or both.
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Bikes that use down-tube shifters have two levers on the frame of the bike. Pulling them back will downshift while pushing them forward will upshift.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure your bike chains are lubricated when riding so they change gears smoothly.
Always wear a helmet when riding a bike.
