Bike gear question?

Question

i just bought a mountain bike and all i know how to do is ride it. I have know idea what the gears on the handle bars are for and when to use them. On the left handle there are 3 gears that have a 1-3 dial flow. On the right handle the is 1-6 dial. What are these for and when am i suppose to use them.

Answer 1

You have gears on your handle bars?  Could you please post a picture?  I've never seen that on a bicycle before.

Answer 2

1-3 change the three gears next to the pedals, 1-6 change the gears on the back wheel.  

For hills use 1 on the left handle and 1-3 on the right handle.

For easy cruising use 2 on the left and 2-5 on the right.

For fast cycling use 3 on the left and 4-6 on the right.

Answer 3

Low numbers are easier to peddle, but you go slower; use for hills. High numbers are harder to peddle but you go faster.