How to adjust your derailleur for perfect shifting (indexing your derailleur) | Syd Fixes Bikes
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- Everything you need to know about adjusting your derailleur for perfect shifting.
What you'll need:
Allen keys: bit.ly/3k9xx8X
Screwdriver: bit.ly/3j6h6Je
Other things in the shed:
Our toolkit: bit.ly/337LfDf
Work stand: bit.ly/3sekMPO
Tool pegboard: amzn.to/3mTYlLY
Syd's apron: amzn.to/345MbHz
Paint pens: amzn.to/2TpCL4u
00:00 Intro
00:20 What you'll need
00:32 Why should you do this?
01:11 How a derailleur works
02:26 Adjusting cable tension using the barrel adjusters
06:56 Adjusting cable tension at the derailleur with the bolt
08:48 What are limit screws?
10:26 Adjusting the low limit screw
11:36 Adjusting the high limit screw
13:01 Limit screw summary
13:50 Understanding and adjusting the B-tension screw
15:47 How to adjust your derailleur in one minute
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Thanks to you guys, my gears now work smoothly. Thank you so much!!!
What if when you're in your easiest gear and you pedal backwards but the chain slips off the cassette?
That's fairly common and has to do with the chain line. Not much to be done about it except try to avoid pedaling backwards in the easiest gear
Thanks for showing how things physically work instead of just telling what to do.
Agreed, no one has ever explained this before.
This! I was doing it, but not being aware how exactly the magic in the background happened
By far, the best tutorial on derailleur and shifter adjustments! For YEARS, I have avoided this out of fear of messing everything up. Decided to hit it head-on, and your instruction helped me get my bike shifting perfectly. Thank you! (tip sent!)
One quick add to adjusting the derailleur that I picked up over the years. Before you mess with the clamp on the cable at the derailleur, always reset the barrel adjuster. I typically thread it all the way in (tighten) until it stops and then back it out about 2 complete turns. This will give you plenty of turns to tension it as the cable stretches in the future and a little wiggle room to loosen it if you over tension it when you pull it tighter and re-clamp it at the derailleur. If the barrel adjuster is 90% of the way out (tighter cable) when you do this, you won't have much room for future fine tuning with the barrel adjuster and next time you are automatically into tools and re-clamping the cable at the derailleur instead of a small tweak with the barrel adjuster. Typical cable stretch over time will only need 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn of the adjuster to fix.
good tip.
@patrolstash Tighten is a relative term when it comes to bike maintenance and most so called “in the know” assume the listener understands what it really means. What does tighten mean with the barrel adjuster -is it clockwise or anti clockwise? Where is the frame of reference when figuring out where is the right or left directions on a barrel adjuster?
Thank you.
so you mean if the barrel is 90% of the way out (tighter cable), I should not reset the barrel adjuster? (Reset as in thread it all the way in until it stops and then back it out 2 turns)
No, you should reset it (note that you'll need to adjust the cable tension at the derailleur afterwards). The original poster was saying that if you were putting in a new cable and didn't reset it first and it was 90% out that you wouldn't have much adjustability moving forward.
I don't know if you'll see this but I just want to sincerely thank you two for making the *only* bike maintenance tutorials that are slow-paced, clear, thorough and that don't assume I am a bike mechanic who knows all the terminology and that actually explains the (surprisingly simple) mechanisms involved. I will never remember a series of 12 steps but show me how it works and I'll never struggle again. This applies to all your videos. I'm not sure why it has taken so long to find a channel like this. Maybe all the other ones are more interested in getting you into the shop than empowering you! Cheers.
You guys have a good thing going here. This is how I like to teach people. Tell them why and not just how. I feel like it helps people diagnose issues and truly umderstand it.
Keep them going!
Its much easier to remember how to do something when you know a little bit more about how its supposed to work! 😀
@@henrikforsberg683for sure.
I like to describe the end game in detail and then go through the steps just to have an idea of what its supposed to be in the end.
Seriously, after riding and (trying to) fix my bikes for 30 years, this is the first time somebody”s been able to explain this to me properly!! Good work, I’ve just subscribed....thanks guys
LOL, me too
ME 2 !!!!
Same here, watched many videos and now I finally understand how it actually works!
30 years,,,,,brain dead
Holy crap! For the first time in my life, I have an understanding of what the limiting screws are!!! This was an awesome video!
"Understanding things make you less nervous about messing things" very well said, that's a beautiful process for humankind.
This is probably the best concise explanation on derailleur adjustment in the World !!! Thank You !!!
Thank you, THANK YOU!!
I've watched about 20 different videos trying to understand this, And you have hit it out of the park here! Thanks so much for helping me learn how to take care of my family's bikes! ❤
I've watched too many how-to derailleur videos. This is the first one that actually taught what I need to understand. Syd the way you think through this out loud is why these work for me. Great work!
watched 40 videos and NO ONE explained the limit screws like this. now I actually know what they do rather than spinning them and guessing. thank you so much for taking the time to make this. so good.
Having the person behind the camera answer questions as they come up is a great idea!! I’ve watched a million other videos on CZcams on this topic and this is by far the best.
I see the frustration and the uncertainty, but I also see the enthusiasm and the craving for knowledge. You'll make a great bike mechanic, Syd.
I've never tried adjusting my derailleur. I was jumping gears etc. Short story, I watched your video and learned what each of the adjustments do. I went to my bike and in 5 minutes or less my gears are shifting perfectly. Thank you very much.
Wow! Ok. I have been riding and working on my own bikes for years, and this is by far the best derailleur tutorial I have ever seen. No nonsense, plain language, the confusion we all hope through, and a woman's touch! Great job. Love the new channel Syd!!!!!
I agree. Since the pandemic, I have watched alot of videos on derailleur adjustments and still didn't understand how they worked to make a proper adjustment. I had a issue with mine not shifting from the easiest gear down one, after the video, I knew what to do, and the problem was fixed!!!
I’ve watched tons of derailleur adjustment videos. Why has no one explained this as well as you guys?! These videos have been an absolute joy so far. Easy to understand and entertaining!
This is way better than the Park Tool video. Much easier to follow!
Loved this - thank you guys. It’s great seeing Syd reason through how something is working and thereby explaining to us what’s going on. It just makes it make sense, because nothing is skipped by presuming that the viewer understands certain terms!
I like how you explain how things work, so much better than just showing how to do the task. Great work!
Truthfully the best video on adjusting the RD that I’ve seen! You guys are awesome!
This is even better than Park Tools video on how to make these adjustments. Well done!
I have my favorite tech channels for diesel pickups, dirt bikes, etc... This feels like one of those channels, except for MTB's 🙌 I know this video is dated, but thank you guys for making it make sense. Other channels I've watched made it feel like I needed to be "in the know" before watching, but you guys made a tutorial feel like a tutorial is supposed to feel. 🤘🏼
I just bought my first ebike and I am determined to be my own repair person. Your videos are so well done and you explain things so well that I have much more confidence in myself to achieve this goal. I’m 64 and a non-mechanical female and I’m now excited not trepidatious about my path. Thank you.
Woohoo! Welcome and you got this!
Thanks. You helped me build my first hardtail from frame up last summer. And now I find myself back here for tune ups. You helped this 50 yr old woman get back out there and live again. I appreciate you both
THANK YOU!!! seriously, outstanding video, I don't know why there are so many videos that make gear adjustments out to be rocket appliances, but this is BY FAR the best video I have come across so far, thank you so much guys!!
I was struggling with adjusting the derailer all day, Ended up making it worse than it was before. I ended up searching youtube and came across this video. Easy to follow as it explained all the points. I went back to the cycle and was able to tune it up in 20mins. Thank you.
This is the first time I'm watching bike videos, I've watched I think two guys before you but I'm humbled to say, you're the best. You've just fixed my problem!!!!!
Great video. I have adjusted tons of derailleurs (ambitious amateur with 30 years experience) and can honestly say I actually learned something about barrel adjusters. I never really thought about how it’s counter-intuitive direction but always seems like I do it the wrong way. Kudos! There is one thing you probably didn’t want to touch on for fear of scaring folks, or because you pretty much need a fancy tool, but on mountain bikes (at least mine, on NJ trails with lots of rocks and sticks) the derailleur hanger can get bent. When the hanger is bent, it can be difficult or impossible to get a reasonable adjustment. If it’s really obviously bent you can remove the derailleur and use a pair of pliers to get it close but really you need a hanger alignment tool (I have the Park), else you will go nuts trying to figure out why you can’t get your shifting working. I generally always check the alignment when I do a regular service. My new bike, a Specialized Turbo Levo, seems to hold it’s alignment better unless I have a bad crash or pick up a big stick, but on one of my other bikes the hanger gets bent if I look at it sideways. On my son’s Salsa Rangefinder, I received the bike new with a pretty major bend in the hanger. You can tell if your hanger is bent (without a special tool) by putting the derailleur in a middle range gear (say 4-5 out of 12) then sight down the chain, cassette cog, front chainring, and derailleur cogs. If the hanger is bent the bottom cog of the derailleur will be visibly out of alignment with the others, and it will be almost impossible to get shifting working in all gears without clattering.
Fun channel. Surprised you have so few subscribers. This is gold.
Good tip. We're planning to have a "troubleshooting shifting issues" video that will talk about checking the derailleur hanger!
Looking through the comments to see if anyone mentioned how to know if it's a bent hanger
@@tommyb9746 You can eyeball it, but typically that’s super hard to do. The only reliable way is to use a hanger alignment and adjustment tool such as the Park DAG 2.2 or knock-off. A symptom of a bent hanger is inability to get settings “right” - chattering and slipping that no amount of adjusting seems to fix. Also, when you set upper and lower limit screws properly to avoid overrunning the end of the cassette, will not stay properly in the top/bottom gear without chattering.
@@tommyb9746 with a hanger tool, takes five minutes. Without a hanger tool, guess and pray.
This is hands down the best explained derailleur, cable tension and l and h screws video. I've watched so many but this one gives me the explanations my brain needs to understand everything. The other videos just say do this and do that but this one tells me why I'm doing what and source and consequence. Awesome. Gonna try this out tomorrow.
Some if not the absolute best bike service vids -- clear, fun with a great support commentary as the work is being done.. clear camera work. Wonderful comment that "once you understand something clearly then you have less fear of it". Used the same proces with cars and engines.. and totally agree.. please keep these coming. Kind regards from an old partially retired chap with his electric bike in the Uk
Ok this was amazing. I've struggled with indexing for years and only this vid helpd, thanks!
the guy in this video is a great teacher! the way he questions and guides responses is a really good way to help someone grow their understanding. student also awesome. good job everyone.
You two make the best videos. As a woman who mountain bikes the verbiage you use syd speaks to my soul.
I watched so many videos from GMBN etc and never understood what they are saying and this is by far the ONLY video that made me understand everything. Love from Singapore. BIG UPS!!!
You guys are really good at explaining this to the novice bike mechanic. Well done
“It’s literally just a screw, I kind of thought it was magic” that cracked me up. Syd is pure gold.
I've got a Deore 11 speed 11-51T setup I've been fighting with for a while now. Your explanation of B tension and especially about barrel adjusters blew my mind! Less than 10 minutes later it's humming along like I paid someone to adjust it for me. Thanks so much.
I think the process of listening someone else learn how to fix bikes, it is so much more helpful as you can be put yourself in the shoes of the person who is unsure, and this is so much more effective. This video was so much help thanks so much.
OMG!!!! FINALLYYYY, Im a total beginner with no idea how bikes work. Call me slow but the number of vids I'm watched to fix my derailleur as well as my brother's, has done nothing but complicate things even further. I finally decided to bring my bike to the shop tomorrow until I saw this vid. You guys made everything so much easier for a total beginner like me, to finally fix my brother's and my bike's derailleur.
Gotta be honest. When I saw her doubting her answers I thought I you guys didn’t know that much. Still gave it a try but then I found out HE is teaching HER in real time. Just like a class. Loved it. Great video
I have been puttering on bike fixes my whole life and I have never been able to get the concept of deraillers. This is the best tutorial on the subject and I was able to fix mine tonight. Thank u
This is fantastic... need to watch it 30 or 40 more times before it sinks in...ha! But love the fact that you are careful to explain the "why" of things. Such a critical component of learning!!
I love how she's always willing to learn and understand
Your videos and audio are probably of the best quality I've seen and heard. Oh, and Syd - you have such a beautiful personality. Keep smiling.
After watching 1560 derailleur adjustment videos I finally get how it works. Thank you.
So glad I found this! This is the best video on how a rear derailleur works that I’ve ever seen! I’m exactly like Syd so this was super helpful!
Wow! incredibly helpful to hear the discussion based on someone who keeps getting the adjustment backwards. Low-key instructional design geniuses. Thank you :)
You've just saved me again. Any time I forget how to adjust something I turn to the both of you. Miss you guys and your videos
Yo this is literally the best guide out of all the videos out there including professional brand videos.
Gawd damn. This video was the easiest explanation of How To for Derailleur problems. You explained the problem, why it happened and how to fix it. Great video.
I appreciated the careful explanation of how the barrel adjuster affects the derailleur. Thanks!
I finally understand what's going on, very informative, best derailleur adjusting video on CZcams!
Syd, you are my hero. I've been looking for a comprehensive video to explain how shifting and adjusting works for my entire bike riding life. THANK YOU!
I started working on bikes at 12 yrs old and am now 51 (started on single speed coaster brakes ). I have just got back into MTB after 25 years so have a lot to learn about new bikes. You 2 have found a great language to help people understand how to fix bikes and have fun. I look forward to watching more and learning lots. Thanks
I just watched 10 of these derailleur adjustment videos, this one is the best, thank you!
Im a bit slow so im saving it. I'll watch it and work on my bikes till I get it if i dont run out of time. You've made it more understandable than ive ever been able to " get it". Thanks
You two make a great couple and I like how you’ve formatted your channel. I watch other’s content as well as sometimes it’s nice to get different takes, but your channel is my favorite. Nice work.
"that only makes sense to the people it makes sense to" I completely am 100% with you there I felt that
all the magic is gone. first the easter bunny, now this
😂
For me, this the best tutorial for derailleur adjustment on You Tube. You guys use the approach of student & teacher. So many other videos are do this; then do this & you're done. Syd, I have trouble with the adjustment barrel too. Your approach has made sense to me. Thanks!!!
Makes sense to me...thanks for being here for me!
For 30 years or so I have hated adjusting bikes...you just made me want to get my bike and ultra tune it. Awesome work. I finally get it!
Macky, good for you to be patient and explain things for those that are less experienced in servicing of bikes. Keep it up Syd you are learning. I am sorry I can't watch any more if this video as a former mechanic it is too slow and painful. I know your intended audience for this is newer DIY's.
This is the third video I've watched on this subject. And it is definitely the easiest one to understand thank you
I have watched so many videos trying to understand how to get into bike maintenance and I can't tell you how helpful these videos are. You seriously explain things in the same way I talk to myself in my head trying to problem solve with my bike! Thank you again so much!!
As others have stated, great job walking us through the process and explaining exactly what is going on. As Syd says at 11:25 - the thing about understanding things is that it makes you less afraid of messing things up. I’ve been putting off trying to fix my derailleur for months (don’t judge me) because of a that lack of knowledge, but now feel much more confident giving it a go. Thank you!
Don't be afraid 😊
You can't break anything and fixing your own gear makes you feel good too!
Great video. Best explanation of how this works. You not only show how to adjust but explain why.
Its frustrating buying a new expensive bike and things not working properly. Now i fully understand everything and it works properly. Thanks so much.
I just rode my old bike that I have at my parents house a couple days ago and I needed to fix the derailleur. I was on my way back thinking, damn if only Syd had a video about this on the new channel... So thanks so much for the involuntary mind synch! I'll be fixing it this afternoon.
There is something about learning while watching people explain it to each other, it really works for me. Thanks! Just subscribed!
This video has been so helpful! It has completely revealed the mystery of all the screws and adjustments on the derailer. This series of videos are wonderful! Great job Syd and Macky!
That is the channel I have been looking for ages. The way you teach is amazing. Thank you, guys.
Wow. Such an informative video. This is why CZcams exist.
I’ve never seen how the limit screw work before. Game changing. Thank you!
Subscribed! You guys are the most informative bike geeks, without any crap. Awesome.
This is the best video I've seen on adjusting your derailleur
i watched this video soooo many times and each time i understood it more
I love your guys channel I learn so much I’m trying to be a mobile bike shop. You explain every working part so well to me it just CLICKS!
LOVE they way you explain everything! Usually bike tech videos are some dude saying do this and that, being super vague with their language and not properly filming the parts they're working on. Thank you for being thorough with explanations and making awesome videos!
I’ve watched 10 different How To videos this week. Your video makes the most sense. Thank you.
This whole series is so incredibly well presented and demonstrated! Very clear and concise, I have learned a lot from you both. Keep up the great work!
By Far one of the best how to videos for adjusting a derailleur. I've been following you guys (on your original channel for a number of years). You're doing a fantastic job with content creation. Love the new channel. Keep it up!
Fantastic video. I have been tuning my bikes for years and I learned something new! Thanks!
Far and away, the best explanation of how to properly adjust one's derailleur. A clear detailed description of how it, and all its parts work. Thank you Sydney and Matthew!
OMG, I've watched at least 10 different videos when I needed to adjust my gears, but NONE of them was as clear and informative as this one. Huge THANK YOU from me!
I never comment on videos, but I have to on this one. This is explained in such plain talk and easy to understand. This video is excellent and the camera angles are terrific. Thank you so much.
You both are absolutely amazing. This is by far the best video on CZcams. I was able to successfully adjust my families bikes and three of the neighbors!! Thank you!!
finally a video that has actually helped my understand how the feck gears work! thankyou
This concept of someone experiencing it for the first time with an expert guiding them makes it more accessible for the average viewer. GOOD JOB!
The great dynamic between these two people and the guy's incredible knowledge makes for very good instructional videos. Please keep up the good work. This is the best derailleur video I ever saw! Thank you.
Man, I’ve seen many guides online, I own a nice roadbike maintenance book but still how you two explain this together is so much more logical than all others. Also... Although I understood adjusting the rear derailer on my bike pretty well, I still feel like I’ve learned something new. Thanks :-)
Thanks. The technique to shift up two and down one let me identify exactly what was wrong with my shifting and adjust accordingly. Great job demonstrating what to look for and exactly how to adjust to compensate.
Just got to watch this last night and I have to say the best one for this problem YET...
The only video I’ve ever watched where I now conceptually understand how the process works. Thank you so much!
Just returned after 5 months to review. What I like is that the student does all the stuff I would do, both right and wrong. Well done!
This was incredible. Thank you!! As the comments show, there can be a million and one other things to check, but listing them all is confusing and overwhelming for beginners. I appreciate the clarity of this video that starts with the most common issues and the easiest to fix! A beginner may not be able to fix everything a pro bike mechanic can, but it’s empowering to be able to fix SOME things to start!
Syd taught me how to do an air can service before, and now she fixed my clicking gears in the middle problem.
I guess I owe her a couple hundred dollars now! 😁😁
I'm glad I watched until the end. I now know how to fix my problem with the B-tension screw. Thank you guys!