I don't see why people are so upset about the fact that there's a video on basic things. I for one, who has just bought his first road bike, don't mind being explained basic tasks before learning about more advanced things and seeing the differences across brands. Nice video!
I agree. When I bought my first road bike, it wasn't immediately obvious how to shift gears. I mean, who would think that the way to shift gears was to push the brake to the side? And yet, that's how it worked.
Possibly the negative sentiment comes from it feeling like a rehash of older videos (which GCN does so often). Still a good video, educational to new riders!
Well, thanks for the video! Having ridden mountain bikes for more than 25 years, I bought my first road bike this year, and proudly rode out of my LBS...only to find that I didn't know how to use STi levers! Being a proud alpha-male, I didn't go back to the shop to ask, but rode to a hidden back alley where I spend the next 30 min figuring out how to change gears.... lesson learnt...
+Efrain Guzman we had no idea how to do a RU-vid when we started. 3 years later, we're down the same alley as you, figuring it all out. Maybe we should ask! Glad you got it figured out Efrain.
I have to say, coming from a running background for my entire life, I decided to get into cycling (even though I have always followed and loved cycling) and went to my LBS and the guys set up a quick fit and off I went BUT, it was because of watching GCN that I had at least an understanding from a previous video. Funny how most LBS' will not explain something like that! LOL!!! So tough I was a complete 'nube', I was able to act like I knew what I was doing...
Well when I got my bike it had downtube shifters and took me 0 seconds lol I enjoy shifting 4 at a time up and down as I please don't want sti's to click thru each gear one at a time, sometimes when pulling out of side road there's no time for this because there's traffic and you have to accelerate quick to get out of the way…
I for one found this video useful, I'm new to road biking in general. I don't understand how people find cause for complain..., if you don't need any advice on gear shifting, don't click on a video titled How To Use Road Bike Shifters and then complain when it's basic/novice information.
People that think they have it all together usually talk down on people. They are arrogant and probably would not help anyone out. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Ha, I actually needed this video a couple of months ago, when I bought my first road bike. I know many will laugh at this video, but in a long run, this will help a lot of people.
I see there are a lot of cycling elitist snobs on here. The comments section is full of people why it is so hard to get new people on bikes now day. I have a tri bike with bar end shifters and thought about buying a true road bike and this type of info is very helpful. I am so glad that most of you guys were born with this knowledge and never had to learn it.
I'm a mountain biker who bought a CX bike this year to help improve my fitness and endurance. I managed to figure it out but this video would have been very relevant to me at the time. We live in different worlds; this concept was completely foreign to me.
I have a friend with a road bike, and I with a mountain bike. We swapped bikes for a day. Shifting gears on a road bike was totally different for me, since I'm so used to shifting gears on a mountain bike.
What's with all the hate for this video? All the long time cyclists asking whether this is a joke or not don't seem to realise that videos like these are essential for people new to the sport. I for one work in a cycle shop, and the number of people that will come back saying their gears aren't working not understanding how to use them properly is very high. Just because you've been riding for 10 years and know everything about a bike doesn't mean that this video is a 'joke'.
Precisely. And it's that elitist-snob attitude that gives the rest of the enthusiast, "normal" cycling world a bad name. The greatest contribution to the cycling community is to be helpful, informative, and supportive to show that this is a shared love of the road and trail for those of us fortunate to have experienced the best of what two or three wheels beneath them have to offer.
Thanks for this. While I have been riding for a while I would have loved this when I started out! Please continue to remember that not all who enjoy cycling have years of experience.
Been looking for something like this for days. A million videos about downshifting on climbs, not crossing your chain etc but nothing about shifting back up until now. Thanks Si
Attention everyone who already know how to shift: THIS VIDEO IS NOT MEANT FOR YOU. This is clearly made for newcomers who never rode a roadbike before.
Great video. I used to ride road bikes in the 90s and used the old tube shifters. When I got back into cycling this year I bought a new(ish) bike and discovered that I didn't know how to change the gears - I had to find a YT video to learn how to do it. Don't listen to the predictable sneering from the "are you going to do a video on how to ride a bike" mob. This is genuinely useful for cycling newcomers and returners.
I also appreciate the basics videos. I only recently got my first road bike and have found this channel precisely because of these simple explainers. The set up of Shimano gears where the left and right shifters are sort of inverse took me a bit of getting used to.
I DID just buy a new road bike to supplement my classic or vintage 1980's Dawes Road Bike. Was flummoxed by the gear shifting so I came back inside to search for a helpful video. This video was excellent. Thank you very much!
This video tutorial is super helpful. Bought my bike 4 years ago just before I had an operation. Not used it since and had forgotten how to use the gears. This tutorial made it so simple and easy to remember and with a bit of practice on my first time out I'd got it. Thank you GCN.
i have watched so many videos on how to use my HANDLE gear shifter......99% of them give a graphic detail of the gear and chain......just thank you so much.......upgraded my bike from a 1980 to 2019. big jump.......was not prepared.....
Cue me standing in the parking lot watching this and being baffled by the levers on my new gravel bike. The whole lever moves! Never would've thought that 😅
Great video - thanks for posting these beginner introductions. I’ve just bought my first road bike having only had mountain bikes before. I wanted to make sure I master the basics before getting myself into danger on the road. We all start somewhere!
This was very useful to me, well explained. I've just bought a road bike to help build up strength in my legs after a serious illness. The thought of the gears changing was delaying my purchase. But what a difference these new gear changers make, no more reaching down to manipulate levers on the old bikes. Thanks again for a clear tutorial.
This was so very helpful! I just got my first road bike after 20-plus years of riding a mountain bike with slicks. Needless to say, shifting has changed and it's of course different on a road bike vs a mountain. Thanks again!
This helped me today because I rode a sram equipped road bike for the first time today and just couldn't figure out how to shift down. I tried pushing in the break lever to the side but that obviously didn't work so i came over to this Video. Thanks GCN
This video is old, but I just got a road bike and it's basically like learning to ride all over again. So GCN's vids have been super helpful to watch. Thanks for the resource and awesome/succinct/clear tutorials!
Thanks..I'm an old bugger who didn't have a clue how these modern gears work ...( My 1970s racer had levers on the down tube) ....so this tutorial has set me up for when I get my new wheels.
I've been into Road Biking for 3 years and seeing how a STI shifter works the first time awed me. This video should have the same effect on people who are getting into Road cycling I'd imagine =)
Thanks for this. Just bought my first bike in 35 years. Nothing beats just jumping on and doing it, but any additional basic-level explanations are really helpful for someone like me.
Most of the snobs are the ones that take cycling too seriously. The strava-ssholes that don't even say "hi" when they ride by (see GCNs other video). The ones using expensive deep dish rims (that probably cost more than their bikes) in high winds and are struggling not to get blown into the hedge every few metres. The amateur racers that think they're pro, with their team kit on for a ride to the shops. The ones that wouldn't even stop for an old granny that's dropped a chain or has a flat... etc.
@@Liofa73 when those people see me riding my road bike.... with my trackies on and a spliff hanging out my mouth. I know they want me to get hit by a car. Such obviously shit people it's actually funny.
Well thank god for this video, I’ve just ordered my 1st road bike in nearly 25 years and coming from a hybrid. I’ve gone for the Boardman slr 8.6 as my 1st road bike so at £500 didn’t break the bank but looked like a great 1st bike. I think I’ll be finding somewhere quiet to test my gear changing 😂
The last time I rode a road bike, the gear shifter was on the down frame. When I got a modern bike, I had NO idea how to change gear! Then I found the small levers set into the brake handles and started shifting gears....GREAT! Until I found I was stuck with the hardest setting! I just could not fathom how to change the gear ratio back again! Then I watched your video!!!! Wow! It is so simple now! Thank you so much⁉️ 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you. Useful to me, even after years and years on road bikes. I'm used to the downtube shifters and couldn't figure it out on my own, having recently come into ownership of a Raleigh Technium with more modern Tiagra shifters.
I've been ride a bike with old school shift levers for a few years now, and I am renting out a more modern bike with modern shifters. this video was so useful to me, thank you!!!
Thanks for this vid. I just bought a used road bike. I'm hoping to get into this for fun and fitness. To go from a bike I had as a kid to this sophisticated bike was so intimidating. I literally could not understand how to change my gears. Thank you so much! Literally binging all these how-to vids so I don't look like a complete dunce on the road.
I just bought a gravel bike with Sram Groupset. Didn't know how to change the gear so I asked my sister who uses Shimano. Hilarity ensues. This vid helps a lot!
I literally just picked up my first road bike from the bike shop a few minutes ago and cycled it back I've been watching this channel for months and I love it But this one of all videos would've help me the most... HOW DID I MISS IT Great video btw
Just bought my first road bike this week! I'm so excited! I have the Shimano 105 drivetrain. I only know that because of this channel...ha ha! Thanks for the beginner videos, they are highly needed!
This video saved me a trip to the bike shop. Brand new to cycling and I bought a used Cannondale on FB. Couldn't figure out the gear shifting, had no Idea there were 3 types of gear shifters. Shimano STI it is, thanks!
This is very helpful, than you. Just bought my first road bike and it was second hand. While out on it I couldn’t figure out the gears, and being second hand I wasn’t 100% sure it was working properly. I will go back out now and follow this advice, hopefully it’s all working nicely.
Thanks for this video! I've been out this week on my first road bike and these tips are SO helpful! Appreciate the straightforward and clear tips when shifting gears, it means a lot.
I recently started getting into road bikes and I'm glad I was able to find this video and prevent my head from exploding with all the different types of shifters. So, what I'm saying is... THANK YOU AND I APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH!
Thank you for the basic video, I needed it. It just goes to show that something that is so simple actually took me 3 tries and this video to figure out. 1.4M views goes to show you never know how something so easy will be seen and needed by so many!
I've got a mountain bike .. but just ordered a Cannondale CAAD Optimo Tiagra 2019 Road Bike .. thanks for this vid .. last time I rid a road bike was 30 yrs ago .. yes I'm 55 lol ..but I train with weights 3 tiles aweek .. train my lady twice aweek .. walk the rotties every day .. plus ride my mountain bike 2 to 3 times a week . I'm buying this bike for more fitness and lots of miles lol .. it's been dispatched so I'll be doing an unboxing vid on our channel , buzzing cant wait .. I love fitness .. hope when I'm my 80,s I'm still training and riding .. all the best every one .. chris & Sam
This was a great help as I got down to the smallest gear on the bike and had no idea have to get back! Last time I bought a bike it had two levers on the frame.
Thank you for this great presentation. I have been having difficulty changing onto the large ring from the small ring. This should assist me with the change. Thanks.
I started with MTB as a kid than I had some city bike in Belgium and now i ride kind of eroica bike. So when I saw some current road bikes I could’t locate the shifters. Now I know. Thank you GCN
im new to road bikes and i honestly really appreciate this video. If you know how to do this then great, but let other people learn without feeling bad
My lovely sister-in-law just gifted me her road bike, I got it, tuned up and went to ride it home and you literally saved my life. I pulled over and stopped on a hill and learned how to shift, thank you! I have always been a mountain biker, and never even thought to ask how it worked because I stupidly thought things would be obvious . Note by saved my life, I actually mean that you saved me from being embarrassed, and having to walk up the hill that I normally cruise up on my mountain bike!😂
So today I just got my first road bike from decathlon. To be very honest, I was going to get a flat bar hybrid from another store, but the store that sells those in my city take a whole week to assemble a bike and another half a week to deliver it. I ordered from Decathlon, came in less than two days. Best of all, they aren't fussy about returns and warranties and stuff. Told the other store two days ago that I'm cancelling the order, they still haven't replied.
I’m so grateful for vídeos like that. I’m willing to buy my first road bike or gravel bike and I don’t wanna feel embarrassed for don’t know how to do it when I go for shopping and do a test ride.
I last had a bike made before 1990, and it seemed so much easier back then. (changing several cogs at the back when changing the front change ring for example). Guess I'll have to practice. Thanks for the video.
Interesting video. I'm fairly new to road biking but I figured out my Shimano good enough on my own - BUT I've never ridden SRAM or Campagnolo so I didn't even now there where differences between the manufacturers. TIL.
Thanks for this video- I have a hybrid and want to purchase a road bike but the gear shifters have kept me away. Thank you for creating this video and breaking it down, much obliged!
It's good to review the basics. Video suggestion: advantages of the Campag system -- Advantages of the Shimano system -- Advantages of the SRAM system: cost, efficiency, trendiness etc.
Ha! Such a better explanation than I got when I bought my road bike and was new to shifting...big levers make it easier. That's all i was told...learned the hard way that such wad not always the case lol.
thank you for the video at 36 this is my first road bike and I honestly couldn't workout how to down shift on the shimano system. All over it 350 miles in now!
Brilliant video. I didn't learn much (thankfully) but it brought back memories of buying a moped & not knowing how to get it moving as I couldn't "get it into gear". The salesman must have wondered if I actually had a licence or not but I'd only ever ridden motor bikes before then.
Totally glad they did this video. I'm new to cycling (about 2.5 months) and am riding around on a straight bar bike a friend gave me. Didn't want to go into my LBS and ask "So uh, how do you shift" when going to purchase a proper road bike.
I miss the old style down tube friction shifters, with a flick of the wrist I could shift as good as most shifters on the market today. Thanks for the video. I had no idea that shifting was done with the break levers on road bikes! I currently ride a single speed bike with a coaster break and enjoy the simplicity of it! I would love to restore my 1977 road bike but 5 speed sprockets are hard to find these days!
This is great that you have put this video on. I have just bought a second hand bike with Shimano gears. I have never used these type of gears before..As i cycled away I thought "this bike is stuck in a high gear" and had no idea how to change gears. Thanks to your video I think I have now got a chance to figure it out. 1100061
Thank you GCN for this basic lesson about Road bikes shifters. Im new on this so thanks for all your vids. I got my dream bike Atomic Villain. O really love to be part of your team, I love your jersey and stuff.
It’s weird I have to consult the internet to figure out how to shift gears on my new GT Grade. But here I am. I guess it’s too much to ask to provide a shifting gears section in the massive manual. It does have one, but it says get your dealer to show you how. With covid, my dealer is only selling online and I had to assemble the bike. Thanks for this basic tutorial. Much appreciated.
