Here are some things to remember when you shift your gears.

• Shifting only works if you are pedaling. So keep those feet moving. Don�t shift when you�re stopped. You might get surprised and crash if your chain jumps gears as you start pedaling.
• Shift pre-emptively. Don�t wait until you�re halfway up the hill to downshift. If you know you�re going to stop, shift down. Shifting won�t work when you�re at a standstill.
• Don�t count! Forget the number of the gear you�re in. Shift according to your cadence. Use the gears to keep yourself within the efficiency window.
• Don�t put heavy pressure on the pedals when you�re shifting. The gears might not change.
• Don�t cross your chain. This means don�t  shift to the smallest sprocket when you�re in the smallest chainring and vice-versa. This places too much lateral strain on the chain and might damage your bike.