2 - Adjusting a Rear Derailleur

This video tech tip shows you how to adjust the rear derailleur in order to achieve proper shifting.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• rear
• derailleur
• adjustment
• mountain
• bike
• tech
• tips

[mcv99e99]

This is not correct. The barrel adjuster is used to adjust shifts between gears, not to prevent the chain from jumping off the cassette in the highest and lowest gears. Use the limit screws first to ensure the derailleur can't push the chain into the spokes or the frame and then adjust cable tension.

[Budistmunk]

very very nice video and good explantion

[VYD239]

@mcv99e99 This is correct. He clearly states the purpose of the video is to demonstrate how to adjust the rear derailleur so the chain does not hesitate or skip gears, by adjusting the barrel. He doesn't mention once that the video is about how to stop the chain from jumping off the cassette (which the limit screws do).

He works in a bike shop, so I think he knows exactly what he's talking about.

[BuddLightbrain]

@GhibliFan1 It is just bold, "Shock Horror", is a personal perception and why just state the obvious!

[GhibliFan1]

@BuddLightbrain

My point was that your bold shock horror headline telling people not to take notice of this video was, IMO, unwise. Now people have two alternative view points to consider... public forum at its best, empowering mankind to make informed decisions.

[BuddLightbrain]

@GhibliFan1 No kidding! and the point being that has not already being covered is...?

[GhibliFan1]

@BuddLightbrain

Tension adjustment, as seen here, is in 99% of cases performed AFTER a rear derailleur is already installed and set up. That, believe it or not, is what the barrel adjuster is actually for. Cable stretch will cause noisy or insufficient shifting, as also witnessed here. Cable stretch does not necessarily mean your limit screws are out of whack, it means that you need to re-adjust the cable tension. There's really no need to start from scratch with your limit screws.

[GhibliFan1]

@BuddLightbrain

In a derailleur's life, I use the high and low limit screws about 3 times at most. Once when it is new, twice if I ever replace a cassette or crankset, and perhaps a third time if I ever severely knock it out of alignment. The rest of the time, barrel adjustment is perfectly fine for this level of FINE TUNING. This guy does another video that deals with low and high limits, so you really shouldn't be trying to scare people. They'll have more chance of success trying this first.

[mrwasbesonders]

@mrwasbesonders I take back my last comment, this dude is good, you need to watch the whole series of videos to get the whole picture.

[mrwasbesonders]

Thats great new, this means I can throw my limiter screws in the bin as they obviously only have decorative purpose. Thanks, my bike is now lighter by .000000001 of a microgram.