Few Questions From The Rookie

Hey all,

So I finally got turned back in and now I'm officially a Solo driver, woohoo! They assigned me a 2012 Pete with an 8speed. I've never driven an 8speed before so how much different is it from a 10speed, and anybody have any tips on shifting, especially going up and down steep hills?

Thanks!

It really isn't much different than a 10 speed. Obviously the pattern is a little different and the rpm range is going to be a bit different but every principle works exactly the same.

As far as shifting and going down big hills - on dry pavement try to find a gear that will allow you to go down the hill using only your Jake brake or your Jake brake with very little foot pedal. The Jake should be able to pretty much do all the work by itself if you're in the right gear. If you find yourself having to hit the foot pedal too often (maybe once every 10 seconds or more) then downshift one gear as quickly as possible. Don't let your brakes get really hot and decide near the bottom of the hill that you're going to try to slow down and downshift. That gets people in trouble. Find the right gear as close to the top of the hill as you can, let the Jake do the majority of the work, and enjoy the ride.

If the roads are slick you have to use little or no Jake brake and let the foot pedal do at least half the work if not more. Go down the hill one gear lower than you would on dry pavement to keep the brakes cool and use light, steady pressure on the foot brake.

Those are some general guidelines.