Post by bucko1987 on Nov 30, 2014 18:53:44 GMT
Correctly adjusting a front derailleur is one of the subtler bike maintenance procedures. You shouldn't need anything more than very basic tools and a good eye. With practice and patience, you, too can become a smooth-shifting pro.
here is 9 easy and simple steps to guide u through resetting your front derailleur
Things You'll Need
Star screw driver
5mm Hex driver
Pliers (optional)
1 The rear derailleur first needs to be correctly adjusted.
2 Put your bike in its lowest gear. Make sure the chain is on the largest cog at the back and the smallest chain ring in front.
3 Loosen the cable grip on the front derailleur. In this picture, the pinch screw (center) needs a 5mm hex driver but many have a nut that requires a smaller wrench. Once loosened, the spring-loaded derailleur will ease its position.
4
Align the low end of your derailleur. Use a star driver and the adjusting screw on the top of the derailleur. The aligning screws are near the tyre in the picture. Look for the one marked with an L. Start by aligning the rear derailleur to the largest cog in the rear. Be sure that the chain does not rub on the derailleur when the cranks are turned. Then shift to the smallest rear cog and adjust the derailleur so the chain does not rub the derailleur in that position. Note: It is bad to ride with your chain on its full degree of stretch. You shouldn't be riding with the bike in the small gear up front and the small gear at the rear; rather change up to your next gear up front. When doing these adjustments, favor the chain being in the larger cogs on the rear.
5 Align the high end of your derailleur. While pedaling, use your hand to push the front derailleur to its top end position to shift the chain to the largest chain ring. Hold the derailleur in place with your hand while working Using the adjusting screw labeled "H", adjust the derailleur in the opposite fashion as before, ensuring that it does not rub the chain when the chain is on the smallest of the cogs in the back. Then adjust to the largest cog. This time you wouldn't ride in the largest up front and the largest at the rear, so keep that in mind and favor the chain being in the smaller gears at the rear when you align the derailleur to its top end position.
6 Release your hand and let the derailleur pull down towards its bottom end position. Give the pedals a turn to let the chain shift down.
7 Pull the cable so it's nice and tight. Fix back the derailleur and tighten the cable grip.
8 Make sure everything shifts properly.
9 Now go ride your bike!
Tips
It is helpful to have pliers on hand to help you pull the cable taut.
Take note that the front derailleur can be tricky to work on due to its position and geometry. Just be patient and you will soon have it down to an art form.
Warnings
Improperly adjusted derailleurs can lead to poor shifting or can cause the chain to fall off while riding.