Mountain bike shifting technique

[cbcbd]

I understand, when I was getting back into mtb seriously I asked the same question to my experienced mtb friend. I also enjoy the technical aspects of mtb and for some reason can't just go into it without wanting to learn if there is a proper or better way to do things - like shifting.

[Greg]

Originally Posted by cbcbd

I understand, when I was getting back into mtb seriously I asked the same question to my experienced mtb friend. I also enjoy the technical aspects of mtb and for some reason can't just go into it without wanting to learn if there is a proper or better way to do things - like shifting.

Thanks. Glad I'm not the only one....

[Greg]

Originally Posted by Greg

Total gaper MTB question.

Yes, it was, dork.

Pretty interesting looking back at this. Especailly since the thread is only six weeks old. I feel I've come a long way. For most of the riding I do, I've found that I try to stay on the middle ring as much as possible and will only shift up to the 4th or 5th cog, unless I'm on a very fast downhill where I think I might want a higher gear. I'll jump on to the granny gear on tough climbs or real techy sections, but I try to get back to the middle ring as soon as possible. I've also been able to stay on the middle ring more and more as my technique (read: more balls) has improved.

[eatskisleep]

while climbing, if you sit while shifting, you put less strain on the drivetrain then if you were mashing on the pedals.

[Greg]

Originally Posted by eatskisleep

while climbing, if you sit while shifting, you put less strain on the drivetrain then if you were mashing on the pedals.

I'm usually sitting anyway, unless I am in a situation when I need a bit of "thrust" and am confident I can hold traction while standing for a bit.

[Trekchick]

Short Answer, go SS and you won't have to worry about it.

[Marc]

Originally Posted by Trekchick

Short Answer, go SS and you won't have to worry about it.

Just worry about your knees.