Changing gears

[Travis0510]

Whats the best way to change gears when on an ebike? Do you change gears when you pedal or don't pedal?

 

[byunbee]

You should not stop pedaling as you shift gears.

 

[Travis0510]

You should not stop pedaling as you shift gears.

Oh ok thank you

 

[indianajo]

Above applies to derailleurs and multiple sprockets on front or back.
If you have an Internal gear hub (IGH) like alfine or rohloff: In which case you do pause force a bit as you change.

 

[Travis0510]

Above applies to derailleurs and multiple sprockets on front or back.
If you have an Internal gear hub (IGH) like alfine or rohloff: In which case you do pause force a bit as you change.

I’m not sure if I have internal gear hub lol what does it look like?

 

[Travis0510]

I have a rear Shimano derailleur and it’s a 7 speed

 

[byunbee]

I have a rear Shimano derailleur and it’s a 7 speed

Then Keep pedaling!

 

[Travis0510]

Then Keep pedaling!

Oh ok thanks so much I appreciate the help

 

[ruffruff]

I try to lighten up the force on the pedals as I'm shifting. Hammering the pedals and shifting with the motor going is really hard on the drive train.
One of my bikes has a shift sensor and one doesn't. It really feels better shifting with the sensor cutting power to the motor.

I've had a couple cringe worthy shifts on the other bike.

 

[Travis0510]

I try to lighten up the force on the pedals as I'm shifting. Hammering the pedals and shifting with the motor going is really hard on the drive train.
One of my bikes has a shift sensor and one doesn't. It really feels better shifting with the sensor cutting power to the motor.

I've had a couple cringe worthy shifts on the other bike.

Yeah I gotta get my gears checked out cause I’ve had some cringe gear shifting to wear it’s like clicking and making noises

 

[Sierratim]

With a conventional derailleur, setup without a shift sensor, you run the risk of 'mashing' the gears if you don't lighten up on the pedal pressure when you shift. 'Mashing' is simply shifting under load. It can damage the drive components fairly quickly. As I understand it, this is not covered by manufacturer warranties.

 

[Travis0510]

With a conventional derailleur, setup without a shift sensor, you run the risk of 'mashing' the gears if you don't lighten up on the pedal pressure when you shift. 'Mashing' is simply shifting under load. It can damage the drive components fairly quickly. As I understand it, this is not covered by manufacturer warranties.

Oh ok thanks so much for the helpful info

 

[harryS]

With a conventional derailleur, setup without a shift sensor, you run the risk of 'mashing' the gears if you don't lighten up on the pedal pressure when you shift.

This is especially true with a mid drive motor driving the pedals. Lots of mashing power there. Many systems automatically inhibit the motor when the gears are shifted.

Others do not, so you have to follow old bike habits and lighten up when you shift.

Sure sounds confusing, no? With a derailleur, you have to have the chain moving when you shift so it can slip onto the next gear, so keep pedaling. But don't pedal real hard because that will fling the chain onto the next gear with enough force to chew up the teeth. Just pedal lightly.

 

[Travis0510]

Oh ok awesome thanks for the tips

 

[E-Wheels]

I try to lighten up the force on the pedals as I'm shifting. Hammering the pedals and shifting with the motor going is really hard on the drive train.

This