The rear derailleur is an essential component of a bicycle’s transmission system. It functions to move the chain from one sprocket to another, increasing or decreasing the pedal resistance. Over time, the derailleur may become misaligned or dysfunctional, resulting in poor gear shifting or even a chain drop. Adjusting the rear derailleur is a straightforward process that requires basic tools and some patience.

Step 1: Check the derailleur hanger

Before adjusting the derailleur, check the derailleur hanger’s condition, which is the part that connects the derailleur to the bike frame. Make sure that the hanger is not bent or damaged, as this will affect the derailleur’s alignment. You can use a derailleur alignment gauge or a straight edge to check the hanger’s alignment. If the hanger is bent, use a hanger alignment tool or seek assistance from a bike mechanic.

Step 2: Shift the bike into its highest and lowest gears

Shift the bike into its highest (smallest cog) and lowest (largest cog) gears. This will help you to determine whether the rear derailleur needs to be adjusted. If the chain is slipping or skipping when pedaling, the derailleur may be misaligned. Conversely, if the bike is struggling to shift into either the highest or lowest gears, the derailleur may require adjusting.

Step 3: Adjust the derailleur limit screws

The derailleur limit screws control the derailleur’s travel range. The low limit screw limits the derailleur’s travel towards the smallest cog, while the high limit screw limits it towards the largest cog. Locate the two screws on the back of the derailleur and use a screwdriver to turn them.

If the derailleur is unable to shift into the smallest cog, turn the low limit screw clockwise. If it overshoots the smallest cog and falls off the cassette, turn it counterclockwise. Likewise, if the derailleur struggles to shift into the largest cog, turn the high limit screw clockwise. If it overshoots the largest cog, turn it counterclockwise.

Step 4: Adjust the derailleur cable tension

The derailleur cable tension affects gear shifting accuracy. If the tension is too loose, the derailleur will struggle to shift up into a higher gear. Conversely, if the tension is too tight, the derailleur will struggle to shift down into a lower gear. Locate the derailleur cable adjuster barrel on the shifter or derailleur and turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the tension, respectively.

To increase tension, turn the barrel counterclockwise until the derailleur lines up with the next cog. To decrease the tension, turn it clockwise until the chain runs smoothly on the current cog. Shift through the gears to ensure that they run smoothly and without hesitation.

Step 5: Fine-tune the derailleur

After adjusting the limit screws and cable tension, fine-tune the derailleur’s alignment. Using the rear derailleur barrel adjuster, turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to fine-tune the shifting. The cable should be taut, but not too tight, and move the derailleur from cog to cog without hesitation.

Shift through the gears while pedaling to ensure that the derailleur moves promptly and accurately. If the derailleur is unable to shift into a specific gear or the shifting is still imprecise, repeat the adjustment process or seek assistance from a bike mechanic.

Conclusion

Adjusting the rear derailleur is a crucial part of bike maintenance that improves the bike’s performance, efficiency, and riding experience. Proper derailleur adjustment ensures that the chain seamlessly moves from cog to cog, enabling smooth gear shifting with minimal effort. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily adjust the rear derailleur of your bike without needing professional assistance. Make sure to maintain the derailleur and other transmission components regularly to ensure the bike’s peak performance.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
Quanto è stato utile questo articolo?
0Vota per primo questo articolo!