Simple Steps to Eliminate Bike Shifting Issues
Derailleur Adjustment Tips
Experiencing issues shifting when hitting the road to log some miles on your bike? You most likely need to make some adjustments to your derailleur. Shifting problems are a common occurrence for cyclists and triathletes. So we’re going to give you some expert tips to fix your shifting problems yourself. Get ready to expand your bike mechanic skills and learn these quick, easy steps to adjust your derailleur and put a stop to your shifting issues!
What’s a Derailleur?
A derailleur is a device on your bike that changes gears by moving the chain from one sprocket to another. There are several different styles and sizes when it comes to derailleurs. But when it comes to fixing shifting issues, the steps you should follow are often the same.
Derailleur Basics for Shifting Issues
Derailleur mechanics provide a simple way for you to dial in shifting in the middle of a ride. Although it’s easiest to make and check adjustments when the bicycle is supported in a repair stand, you can adjust your derailleur without any tools at all.
If you suspect your derailleur may be damaged or bent, unfortunately, you won’t be able to fix this one yourself. You’ll need to take your bike to your favorite local bike shop to have a mechanic help you out. The following tips are for derailleurs that just need slight adjustments such as a tweak to the shifter, elimination of rubbing, or quieting that pesky squeaking sound.
Identify the Problem
To adjust the derailleur, look at the point where the cable enters the rear derailleur. Here you’ll see a round, knob-like piece; that’s the cable adjustment barrel. This is used to tune the derailleur adjustment.
Standing behind the bike, turn the cable adjustment barrel either counterclockwise or clockwise in half-turn increments until the shifting hesitation is cured. The direction in which you turn your derailleur depends on what type of hesitation you’re experiencing.
The most common problem is slow-shifting into easier gears (toward the spokes) which is due to the stretching of the cable. But, it’s also possible that you’re experiencing difficulty with shifting into a higher gear, which means the cog isn’t allowing the chain to shift outward smoothly to the next gear.
So, which way do you turn it? Determine this to continue to your next steps to adjust your derailleur.
- Experiencing slow shifting – turn the barrel adjuster counter-clockwise toward the spokes. This will tighten the space between the cogs or shifting increments.
- Difficulty shifting into a higher gear – turn the barrel adjuster clockwise, away from the spokes to loosen the space between the cogs to allow for easier shifting.
Time to Adjust Your Derailleur
Commit this to memory to help you remember which way to turn the barrel adjuster the next time you experience shifting issues.
- If the derailleur is hesitating when shifting toward the spokes (the more common problem), turn the barrel toward the spokes (counter-clockwise).
- If it hesitates to shift away from the spokes, turn the adjuster away (clockwise) from the spokes.
- Turn it only a half turn, shift multiple times to check the adjustment, and repeat as needed to eliminate all hesitation.
Pro tip: Be aware that there is a range of acceptable adjustments, so there may be more than one barrel adjuster position that results in good shifting performance.
No More Shifting Issues!
Now you have the right tips to adjust your derailleur back into place for a smooth ride with easy, noise-free shifting. If you were experiencing trouble with your shifting, remember these tips to adjust your derailleur before your next ride. If you have a friend who is constantly dealing with shifting problems, help them out, and share this with them! Congrats! You have a mechanic you trust and know will keep you in good hands, YOU!
Now you’re ready to go and check out these fantastic cyclist-friendly routes in Austin.
