When and how should I switch gears on my bike?

The timing of gear shifting should be such that pedaling does not become too heavy or too light before shifting. The recommended pedaling cadence (pedal speed) is around 75 rpm (revolutions per minute). Generally, a cadence range of 60–90 rpm is advisable, which means 1–1.5 pedal revolutions per second. Anticipating changes in speed and shifting gears in good time reduces drivetrain stress and extends its lifespan.

When changing gears, you should always lighten your pedaling. If you pedal heavily while shifting gears, the gear mechanism is strained and may make a loud noise. With an e-bike, it’s also important to note that the motor assistance reacts with a slight delay. On an e-bike, you should ease off pedaling well before changing gear. The practice of changing gears depends on the type of gear system; more detailed, gear-specific information is given below.

Hub gears

• You do not need to pedal when switching gear, but you can also shift gears while pedaling lightly.
• When changing to an easier gear, the shift will not occur if there is too much tension.

Derailleur gears

• You must be pedaling to switch gear; the chain will not move from one cog to another without pedaling.
• Before stopping, shift to a suitable starting gear.
  • If the gear doesn’t engage in time, it will do so when you start pedaling again.

Automatic gears are an exception to the above. As it’s difficult to anticipate gear changes with automatic systems, these gear mechanisms are designed to withstand shifting under load. However, when shifting electric gears manually, it’s still advisable to follow the guidance above to reduce drivetrain strain.