The right-hand shifter shows number 1, 2 and 3. The left-hand gear shifter shows ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols.

The words ‘Speed’ and ‘Gear’ mean the same here. The First Gear is the lowest gear - easiest to turn the pedals.  For starting from standing and to use up steep hills. 6th gear is the highest gear and you’ll need to apply more effort to turn the pedals in this gear, and will only use it you’re already travelling fast and want to keep that up. 

 

1st Gear	Left shifter -	Right shifter 1
2nd Gear	Left shifter +	Right shifter 1
3rd gear	Left shifter -	Right shifter 2
4th Gear	Left shifter +	Right shifter 2
5th gear	Left shifter -	Right shifter 3
6th gear	Left shifter +	Right shifter 3

Immediately before changing gears, take the pressure off the pedals, so that at the point of shifting the lever, you will have momentarily stopped pedalling. You will then hear the gears engage and you continue pedalling. This technique makes for smooth gear changing and avoids eventual damage to the gears.

The right shifter operates hub gears in the rear wheel.  Each of the three hub gears is always combined with one of the two derailleur gears.

 3 hub gears x 2 derailleur gears  = six gears in total.