Changing Gear Under Load

How do different groupsets stack up regarding changing gear under load? I hear that electronic shifting allows you to do this but what about mechanical?
I'd like to improve my ability to change gear going up hill without losing momentum and currently have 105, I have to take the pressure off to change.
Would Ultegra, Dura-Ace, Sram or Campag improve over 105? Anyone able to change gear when out of the saddle?
Cheers
I'd like to improve my ability to change gear going up hill without losing momentum and currently have 105, I have to take the pressure off to change.
Would Ultegra, Dura-Ace, Sram or Campag improve over 105? Anyone able to change gear when out of the saddle?
Cheers
0
Posts
Martin
Takes a fraction of a second and only the slightest adjustment to your rhythm.
Technique (and practice)? The key is to apply a bit more pedal pressure (to increase momentum slightly) just before backing off and performing the change. That extra momentum balances out the loss when changing for no overall drop in speed, while still achieving a smooth change. Same if standing. Works for me.
Beat me to it!
Kristian House was running through the gears on a set of rollers. He clearly stated that changing under load was one of the big benefits.
I'm ambivalent about electronic shifting. I don't doubt for one second it's better and in a few years will be pretty much standard. I am just left with the feeling that, like moderns cars, it will be something else you can't home service (not that I ever could service my own car).
If you want to realise how straightforward shifting gears on a climb under load whilst standing is, try it on a bike with down tube shifters. That's the one situation where STI shifters really, really make a difference!