Foundation • controls 101
Gear Selection
Sub Skill 5 of 6
Part of the Hard Enduro Training Plan
Use this skill as one step in the full progression: safety, controls, balance, terrain, endurance, and race-ready decision making.
Why it matters
Right gear = traction + clutch health. Lower gear gives control; higher gear smooths torque.
Zero → Max progression
- Zero: pre‑select 1st/2nd before features
- Base: choose 2nd for creeps with clutch control
- Applied: upshift to 3rd for smoothness on choppy trail
- Advanced: pre‑select gears before hills; commit without mid‑slope shifts
Principles
Predict the need; avoid shifting in the fall line. Use clutch to bridge gaps.
Drills
- Laps using only 2nd gear with clutch control
- Hill repeats pre‑selecting the same gear each time
Errors
Mid‑feature shifts, revving in too‑low gear, lugging to stall.
Safety
If you must shift mid‑hill, plan a micro‑plateau or abort safely.