Tuning the Rear Derailleur

If your derailleur is not tuned properly, shifting will be difficult, and may cause damage to chain and cogs. First we will cover the rear derailleur.

Stuff you'll be needing:
- Screwdrivers
- Hex tools

(1) Lubricate your chain, and ensure that the pedals and wheels can spin, then set up your bike upside down

(2) Tension

There is a tension adjuster on the derailleur itself or the shifter, which allows you to tune the cable tension. Experiment with it, until the derailleur aligns with the cogs. Remember to turn the pedals after every adjustment.

(3) Limiters

The two limit adjusting screws on the derailleur prevent the chain from slipping off the end of the cassette. The 'L' limits the large cog, which 'H' limits the small cog. Adjusting the limiters will only affect the lowest and highest gear. Twist the screws until the derailleur matches well with the cog, and the chain is not passed through at an angle.

(4) Test ride, to make sure you have tuned your bike properly, and everything is operational