Derailleur Adjustment for downshifting (in simple terms)

[XCTolen]

Here’s my Problem: After a recent Spring tune up at my LBS, I’ve noticed several times when I gear down to get ready to take on a steeper climb or climb rocks the chain won’t shift. To compensate I’ve found I have to go down two gears and then gear up one before the chain will move in just the right gear I want it to be in. (FYI gearing up at anytime is fine)

I’m sure all it needs is a minor adjustment of the derailleur, either front or rear. No doubt a couple of turns on one of the screws would do it. Problem is, I suck when it comes to derailleur adjustment. I’ve looked over "How to" steps in my maintanence book and watched on line videos making it look so simple, yet, everytime it ends in frustration and is even more messed up. Derailleur adjustment is like solving a rubics cube to me, I work on one part only to find I’ve messed up another part in the process, and so on.

I’m trying to save a trip to the bike shop for something I know is a simple fix (if you know what you’re doing). Also, it seems that even the bike shop doesn’t get it quite right because adjusting a bike on a rack can’t compare to knowing the adjustment it needs when you’re actually on the trail. So, I’ve narrowed the problem in the hope that someone can give me a short concise lamens terms suggestion of what to try before bothering the experts at the bike shop who have better things to do. THANKS!!

[Syd Patricio]

Hi there

We have this post covered in an article that I wrote a while back..

Here is the link:

http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-re … erailleur/

Cheers

[Author]

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