How to shift gears correctly on your bike.

Operation of the gear system on your bike
The multi-gear system provides a means of maintaining a constant pedaling rate, regardless of road level conditions. This is the most effective cycling technique to prevent tiring over long distances.
The gears are activated by cables connecting the twist shifters or shift levers located on the handlebar to the derailleurs.
If your bicycle is equipped with twist shifters, rotating the twist shifters towards you moves the chain from one chainwheel (or sprocket) to the next larger chainwheel (or sprocket). Rotating the twist shifters away from you moves the chain from one chainwheel (or sprocket) to the next smaller chainwheel (or sprocket).
If your bicycle is equipped with shift levers, pushing the thumb shift lever away from you moves the chain from one chainring (or sprocket) to the next larger chainring (or sprocket). Pulling the index finger shift lever towards you moves the chain to the next smaller chainring (or sprocket).
The left shifter controls the front derailleur and the right shifter lever controls the rear derailleur . To shift, continue pedaling at a steady pace while operating the shifters and engage the gear you find most comfortable. For easiest pedaling (while going up-hill or slowly), position the chain over the smallest chainring in front and the largest sprocket in back. For hardest pedaling (while going down-hill, or quickly), position the chain over the largest chainring in front and the smallest sprocket in back.
NOTE:Pedals and wheels must be turning forward while shifting gears. Never pedal backward while shifting gears and never force the twist shifters or shift levers.