How to shift gears properly on a road bike?

Question

Okay I bought a road bike and I have been having major probs with this. I found this article after hours of searching and it has helped me

http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/adventures/biking/shifting_gear_techniques.html

Still a few questions. Are there some gear combinations that are simply not going to happen i.e. chain slipps off or a very unhealthy grinding sound and ineffective motion occurrs. E.g. this will happen when the front gears is on the second sprocket (one furthest from bike) and the back gears (cogs on the back wheel) are on the first sprocket (again one closest to the bike). Is this a wrong / unhealthy gear? Or is my bike which is brand new not working properly?

Answer 1

A new bike shouldnt be too outa whack.   No matter what gear ratio you are in, the bike should still function w/o horrible noises.    Avoid the 'big to big' and 'small to small' combos.   Big ring up front means you stay away from the big cogs in the back.  Same with 'small'.   A chain slipping off is a sign of a serious problem and you should get your dealer to look at it.

Answer 2

It's called cross chaining. When you select the outer front gear (called the chain ring) and the inner back gear (called a cog), the chain is running at an angle to the bicycle's line. That angle is causing the chain to rub against the derailleur, the device that moves the chain from one gear to another. Your drive train should be silent. When you hear a chain rubbing in that situation, shift to the inner chain ring and to a smaller cog in the back to get the same power ratio without the rubbing noise.

HTH

Answer 3

Yes and no.Yes some gear combinations because the chain is being stressed due to the angles its put through makes the noises you hear and also looses a lot of energy. Always try to select a combination of front chain ring and rear sprocket that keeps the chain as straight as possible. This will mean that you will effectively loose three or four "gears" of those quoted by the manufacturer. Tight chain and flies in your teeth.

No your bike is prob OK but do add some quality lube over the thin stuff the manufacturer will have put on it.