Welcome to another installment of BIKeTALES! Today, we’re focusing on a critical aspect of bike maintenance that can significantly enhance your riding experience: tuning your rear derailleur. A well-tuned derailleur ensures smooth, precise gear shifts, making your rides more efficient and enjoyable.
Why tune your rear derailleur?
The rear derailleur is essential for smooth shifting between gears. If it’s out of adjustment, you might experience noisy, rough, or missed shifts, which can be frustrating and even unsafe.
What you’ll need:
- A bike stand or a way to elevate your bike
- Allen wrench or a Phillips head screwdriver
- Patience and a bit of time!
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Preparation: Ensure your bike is secure and stable.
- Inspect: Check the derailleur hanger and alignment.
- Adjust: Use the high and low limit screws to set the derailleur’s range.
- Fine-Tune: Adjust the cable tension for precise shifting.
- Test Ride: Always test your adjustments with a short ride to ensure everything is working smoothly.
- Common Issues and Fixes:
- Skipping Gears: Adjust the cable tension.
- Chain Not Reaching All Gears: Check limit screws.
- Noisy Shifting: Lubricate and clean the derailleur and chain.
Jean Claude van Bike’s Tips:
- Regularly clean your derailleur to prevent dirt build-up.
- Check the alignment of the derailleur hanger periodically.
For a detailed tutorial, take a look at our latest YouTube video
