Downhill: Use first gear when driving downhill as a primary source for braking. Engine braking means you don't need to use the brake pedal as much, which keeps your wheels turning. If the wheels are turning you can steer, important when undertaking a steep downhill run.
Use lower gears to go downhill
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, use "L" or "2." However, if you do need to brake frequently, pull over if you start to smell the brakes burning. (According to the National Park Service, this will be a pungent burning smell.)
You should be no higher than third gear and more likely should be in second. If your speed gets lower than about 15 MPH you should even drop into first gear. Maintain a slow steady speed all the way to the bottom.
Steep Inclines - If you don't want to stress the engine while going uphill, switching to low gear will give you the extra torque you need. Long Declines - While going downhill, switch to low gear to help maintain a slow and steady course.
Use Low Gears: Using low gears (1-3 on a manual, L and 2 on an automatic transmission) on both uphill and downhill driving. When climbing, using low gear gives you a bit of extra power and helps you maintain your speed. When descending, it holds you speed back so you don't wear out your brakes.
Low gear for uphill
You can achieve the lower gear ratio with a smaller chainring, and a bigger cog on the cassette. Choosing a lower gear requires less strength for every pedal stroke. In this way, you will put less effort and energy while riding.
When going up on hills, use a smaller bicycle gear. A lower gear is achieved by using a smaller chainring with a bigger cassette gear. When going down on hills, shift to higher bike gear.
Shifting into low gear when you're ascending a steep hill helps to reduce wear and tear on your engine. Shifting into low gear when you're descending an incline reduces strain on your transmission. Since you'll slow down automatically, you'll also reduce the strain on your brakes!
1st gear is best when the road is steep, tight and windy. It delivers slow speed but high power for the hill.
2nd gear is often used for driving at slow speeds and is usually the preferred gear for making left or right turns.
High Gear = Hard = Good for Descending: The “highest” gear on your bike is the largest chain ring in the front and the smallest cog on your cassette (rear gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the hardest and you'll be able to accelerate while traveling downhill.
Riding the Brakes Downhill
This can cause wear and tear and increase the risk that these parts will warp or overheat. If you need to keep your speed low when you're going downhill, shift to a lower gear instead.
The “L” on the gear shift stands for “Low.” What is the “L” gear used for? Low gear is used when you want the engine power high and the vehicle speed low. This limits stress on your brakes while allowing you to take advantage of your car's full power in situations like towing and hilly driving.
If you're using a manual transmission, use second or third gear when you head up a steep incline – and don't change gears once you've committed to the climb. Failed Climb: Put the vehicle in reverse to allow for natural engine braking and keep tires turning.
As with a normal hill start, after making all the necessary checks, put the car into first gear — or second if the hill is quite steep — and with the clutch pedal right down slowly apply the footbrake. Following another quick safety check, release the handbrake and find the clutch biting point.
If you have a manual gearbox, apply the handbrake then put the gearbox in neutral on flat ground, reverse if you are parked facing downhill, or first if you are parked facing uphill. If the handbrake fails, or it wasn't applied tightly enough, the resistance from the engine will stop it rolling on the hill.
Climbers gearing - 34/50 with 11/32 or 11/34 Cassette
It's what we recommend for beginners or existing road riders who want plenty of assistance on the climbs. With both a small and large chainring at the front, there's no need for a massive cassette at the rear.
Remember each car will be geared slightly differently, but a good rule of thumb for changing gears is that first gear is for speeds up to 10 mph, second gear is for speeds up to 15 mph, third gear is for speeds up to 35 mph, fourth gear is for speeds up to 55 mph, fifth gear is for speeds up to 65 mph, and sixth gear ...
These gears will range from 1, which is the easiest gear, to 7, which may be referred to as a 'high gear' and is most suitable for riding fast downhill, or on the flat. A 7 speed cassette is often found on city bikes, hybrid bikes, and children's bikes.