Newbie question - adjusting deraileurs

04-15-2004, 07:59 AM

The problem is my front deraileur makes a slight clattering noise in the
biggest ring, -and- my rear deraileur won't go into the smallest ring. I
have the twist handlebar shifters and if I turn it -past- the "3" and hold
it there the clattering stops.

I've looked at Sheldon Brown's site and pondering adjusting my deraileur,
but I'm still having trouble.

I've located the adjustment screws (duh), but I'm unsure of which way to
turn them.

Is there a clear/clearer procedure for doing this so I don't mess up the
bike, or should I take it into the LBS and watch them adjust it?

Seems like it should be easy, but I'm worried I'll mess it up more,
especially since Sheldon's site talks about multiple adjustments and
adjusting the cable length also.

Sorry for the dumb question. ;->

-B

04-15-2004, 08:14 AM

Badger_South <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]:
> Is there a clear/clearer procedure for doing this so I don't mess up the
> bike, or should I take it into the LBS and watch them adjust it?

Try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
If you still can't figure it out, take it to your shop. Random fiddling will
just make it worse.

04-15-2004, 08:14 AM

Badger_South <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]:
> Is there a clear/clearer procedure for doing this so I don't mess up the
> bike, or should I take it into the LBS and watch them adjust it?

Try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
If you still can't figure it out, take it to your shop. Random fiddling will
just make it worse.

04-15-2004, 08:14 AM

Badger_South <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]:
> Is there a clear/clearer procedure for doing this so I don't mess up the
> bike, or should I take it into the LBS and watch them adjust it?

Try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
If you still can't figure it out, take it to your shop. Random fiddling will
just make it worse.

04-15-2004, 08:14 AM

Badger_South <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]:
> Is there a clear/clearer procedure for doing this so I don't mess up the
> bike, or should I take it into the LBS and watch them adjust it?

Try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
If you still can't figure it out, take it to your shop. Random fiddling will
just make it worse.

04-15-2004, 08:56 AM

naaahhh fiddle away it's the best way to learn!!!

> Try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
> If you still can't figure it out, take it to your shop. Random fiddling
will
> just make it worse.

04-15-2004, 08:56 AM

naaahhh fiddle away it's the best way to learn!!!

> Try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
> If you still can't figure it out, take it to your shop. Random fiddling
will
> just make it worse.

04-15-2004, 08:56 AM

naaahhh fiddle away it's the best way to learn!!!

> Try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
> If you still can't figure it out, take it to your shop. Random fiddling
will
> just make it worse.

04-15-2004, 08:56 AM

naaahhh fiddle away it's the best way to learn!!!

> Try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
> If you still can't figure it out, take it to your shop. Random fiddling
will
> just make it worse.

04-15-2004, 09:30 AM

>naaahhh fiddle away it's the best way to learn!!!

Well, sort of. Just keep in mind that the screws are "limiting screws"-- they
limit the amount of travel in or out of the derailleur body. If the thing
needs to go farther one way to stop clicking on the chain, for example, you
need to be sure it "can" go farther, e.g., turn the screw in the direction
that increases the amount of travel. If you can't get enough travel to reach
some of your cogs, then you definitely need to turn the screw(s) in such a
direction that will also increase the amount fo travel. If you have already
reached max travel and still can't reach some of your cogs, then the thing may
need to be remounted or swapped out for a different derailleur.