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.