The rear derailleur is a critical component of a bicycle’s drivetrain, responsible for shifting the chain between different gears on the rear cassette. If your rear derailleur is out of adjustment, it can cause problems with shifting performance, such as dropped chains, clunky shifts, or difficulty shifting into certain gears. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to tune your rear derailleur, ensuring smooth and precise shifting for your bicycle.
Before you begin the adjustment process, it’s important to identify the type of rear derailleur you have. There are two main types: direct mount and traditional. Direct mount derailleurs attach directly to the frame of the bike, while traditional derailleurs are mounted on a hanger that is attached to the frame. Once you have identified the type of derailleur you have, you can proceed with the following steps.
First, you’ll need to shift the chain to the smallest cog on the cassette (the one closest to the wheel). Then, use a 5mm Allen key to loosen the barrel adjuster located on the derailleur cable. The barrel adjuster is typically found near the end of the cable housing, where it connects to the derailleur. Once the barrel adjuster is loosened, you can begin fine-tuning the derailleur’s position.
How To Tune Rear Derailleur
A rear derailleur is a bicycle component that moves the chain across the sprockets of the rear wheel. It is important to keep the derailleur properly tuned in order to ensure smooth and efficient shifting. Here are the steps on how to tune a rear derailleur:
- Shift the chain to the smallest sprocket on the rear wheel.
- Loosen the cable tension bolt on the derailleur.
- Turn the barrel adjuster on the derailleur until the chain is aligned with the smallest sprocket.
- Tighten the cable tension bolt.
- Shift the chain to the largest sprocket on the rear wheel.
- Turn the barrel adjuster on the derailleur until the chain is aligned with the largest sprocket.
- Tighten the cable tension bolt.
Once the derailleur is tuned, it should shift smoothly and efficiently through all of the gears.
People Also Ask
What are the signs of a derailleur that needs tuning?
The signs of a derailleur that needs tuning include:
- The chain shifts slowly or with difficulty.
- The chain skips or jumps when shifting.
- The chain falls off the sprockets when shifting.
How often should I tune my derailleur?
You should tune your derailleur once a month or so, or more often if you ride your bike frequently or in muddy or dusty conditions.
Can I tune my derailleur myself?
Yes, you can tune your derailleur yourself with a few simple tools. However, if you are not comfortable working on your bike, you can take it to a bike shop to have it tuned.
What are the benefits of tuning my derailleur?
Tuning your derailleur has a number of benefits, including:
- Smoother and more efficient shifting.
- Reduced wear and tear on the chain and sprockets.
- Improved performance of your bike.
