Do you change down gears before stopping at traffic lights?

[Thursday guy]

I find that I can get off to a quicker start than almost everyone else when I change down before I stop and start pedaling at a low gear. But this obviously requires changing gears very often, which I'm not sure if you're meant to do?

 

[ianrauk]

Do what ever you like. If it works for you (and it works for me) then go for it.

 

[coffeejo]

Only when I remember. The chances of me doing so decrease if the lights / junction are at the bottom of a hill or fast stretch, especially if the gradient increases immediately after.

 

[raleighnut]

I do when I remember to, better that than to try starting in too high a gear and trying to downshift when you are only pedalling slowly.
BTW gears are there to be used, I don't think you wear them out by changing but you can hear the click,click. graunch of someone trying to downshift behind you quite regularly.

 

[screenman]

Always, you would not pull away in 4th in your car so why do it on a bike.

 

[MiK1138]

Most times i do, for quicker gataways, but there are so many things to remember, change gear, unclip, brake. no wonder people RLJ

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Usually I do but sometimes I get out of the saddle and start in a higher gear.

 

[swansonj]

No, I change down gears after stopping at the traffic lights. (Irritatingly smug hub-gear user speaking. I definitely choose lower gears for pulling away from static on my hub-geared solo than the dérailleur tandem, because it's so much easier.)

 

[screenman]

Most times i do, for quicker gataways, but there are so many things to remember, change gear, unclip, brake. no wonder people RLJ

Do you actually have to think about those things?

 

[potsy]

Yes, unless I'm on the single-speed then I just try to until I realise I haven't got any

 

[Bianchi boy]

Generally change down as I approach traffic lights, but if I forget I usually stay clipped in on right foot, and lift to spin rear wheel to get back down into low gear, Blimey confused myself there

 

[raleighnut]

No, I change down gears after stopping at the traffic lights. (Irritatingly smug hub-gear user speaking. I definitely choose lower gears for pulling away from static on my hub-geared solo than the dérailleur tandem, because it's so much easier.)

I was waiting for a reply from a Rohloff rider, smug git. (I'm jealous really, I've been known to lift my back wheel up a touch and grab a gear 2 or 3 down from the one I've stopped in if there is a hill after the lights.)

 

[raleighnut]

Generally change down as I approach traffic lights, but if I forget I usually stay clipped in on right foot, and lift to spin rear wheel to get back down into low gear, Blimey confused myself there

SNAP.

 

[Katherine]

Yes, when I remember. Stand on the pedals if I forget.

 

[velovoice]

Yes, almost always. It's recommended for people (like me) with bad knees. Took a lot of practice (as with unclipping) but worth it.