Reply #17: Update.

[Longhorn]

As I reread your post, WT, I am even more impressed that you took the time to write such helpful and informative instructions for me! Thanks again!

:yourock:

Now that I have a few miles under my belt, what you wrote makes even more sense and I have a pretty good understanding of how the entire shifting thing works. But I'm glad I reread because I picked up even more info that I didn't remember from before. For example, I've found myself trying to stay in the highest front gear as some sort of "badge of honor" while riding my route. But yesterday, I wasn't feeling as strong and did more spinning. I felt a little guilty about it until I reread your advice!

By the way, is there better terminology for all this gear talk, rather than "big one in front and little one in back?" I know you were making it easy for me and I appreciate it but I think I'm ready to learn the proper lingo, if it exists.

My gear set-up is that the big shifter on the left causes me go to to higher gears on the front and the little shifter moves to lower gears. The big shifter on the right goes to lower gears in the back and the little shifter to higher gears. I still have to stop and think about the terms "higher" and "lower" because it's just the opposite of shifting with my car! Why is that? And because of this linear brain of mine, you will never catch me trying to drive cars in England! ;)

Finally, how do I measure cadence? Unfortunately, my bike computer does not measure it. Do I need another contraption? My computer does have a timer so I guess I could try to count for a minute and get a feel for it.

Thanks again! I'm looking forward to my first real ride, 28 miles at the Armadillo Classic on May 8!