How to Shift 10 Speeds

Ten-speed bicycles feature a set of gears that alter the effective length of a bicycle's chain, allowing you to change the resistance as you ride. Riders change the setting regularly to ensure they are using only as much leg power as needed to keep your bike moving at a steady clip. Ignoring your pace and shifting too infrequently can cause unnecessary muscle fatigue and force you to cut your rides short.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up speed on your bicycle until you are moving at a moderate pace. The most comfortable speed for biking lies between 70 and 90 pedals per minute, and your goal will be to shift often enough to keep yourself moving at or near this pace.

    • 2

      Grip the handlebars firmly and place your thumb on the small gear lever located on the top of your bike's handlebar. Push the gear lever away from you to shift the bike's gears -- and resistance -- higher. Shift up if you find your pedaling pace is speeding up and you need to work less to maintain a steady pace, usually on downhill slopes.

    • 3

      Pull the gear lever toward you with your thumb when you have to push your legs harder with each pedal and your pace noticeably drops. You will use this most often on uphill slopes, as lowering the gear allows the bike to efficiently use each pedal stroke.