If you want to go faster next season, you’re probably thinking about adding more power or losing weight. And sure, those things help, but they’re not the fastest way to make real gains on the bike.
The real game-changer?
Your shifting.
Yes, your ability to choose the right gear at the right time has a massive impact on your speed, flow, and efficiency on every ride.
When I first started leading cycling camps, I was shocked at how many riders would lose speed and momentum simply because they waited too long to shift. I'd watch riders hammer up to the top of a climb only to stall out and almost stop because they didn’t downshift soon enough. Or I’d see riders hitting the bottom of climbs from a downhill and immediately bog down in too big of a gear.
These weren’t fitness problems.
They were gear timing problems.
The good news? Shifting is a skill you can improve, and Winter is the perfect time to work on it. You can practice this whether you're riding outside or on Zwift.
So here are the key shifting habits to focus on:
4 Shifting Tips That Will Immediately Make You Faster
1. Shift Sooner Than You Think
Most riders react to the terrain, you want to anticipate it.
Look ahead and shift into a harder or easier gear before you feel like you need to.
If you wait until the resistance already changes, you're late, and you’ll lose momentum.
2. Shift One Gear at a Time
Big jumps in gearing lead to big disruptions in cadence and power.
Keep your pedal stroke smooth by shifting in small steps, not giant leaps.
3. Don’t Stress If You Overshoot a Gear, Just Shift Again
If you shift into a gear that feels too easy or too heavy, don’t freeze.
Just give the lever another click.
Fluid, responsive adjusting is what keeps your speed steady.
4. Use Chain Tension as Your Shifting Cue
Your chain tells you everything.
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If the resistance suddenly drops, you’re overgeared → shift harder.
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If the resistance spikes and your legs grind, you’re undergeared → shift easier.
Feel first. Then respond.
How to Apply These Techniques on Climbs and Descents
On Climbs
Shift before the climb starts, not after you’re already grinding.
The goal is to carry your speed into the climb and settle into a smooth cadence.
As the gradient changes, make micro-shifts one click at a time to keep your pedal stroke light and round, not choppy.
Over the Top
This is where most riders lose the most speed.
As the hill starts to level out and tension drops, immediately shift into a harder gear to keep driving speed across the top and onto the descent.
On Descents
Shift earlier to stay in control of your cadence as you accelerate.
You want to match gear to momentum, not let momentum run away from you.
Wrap-Up
Your shifting is one of the highest-impact skills you can improve this winter.
Better shifting means:
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More speed over the tops of climbs
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More control entering climbs
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Smoother cadence
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More consistent power
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And a faster overall ride, without needing more fitness
Small skill. Huge gains.
Start practicing these shifting habits now, and next season, you’ll be riding smoother, stronger, and faster than ever.
