Mountain Biking - How do I adjust my derailleur?

I have a 2005 Specialized Rockhopper Sport....How do I adjust the rear derailleur (SRAM 2SX5) ?

When I shift it will go 1-2 fine then when I shift to 3 it jumps to five. Every time I make an adjustment by the shifter it just jumps 4-6, 5-7, etc...

I took it to my dealer and they charged my $40. I don't want to pay this again. I have been riding down Big Mountain in Whitefish MT, and all the dust seems to throw it out of adjustment.

The shift lever also squeels because of the fine powdery dust. How do I fix that?

How do you clean the cable housing?

Hey thanks...Im really getting into this.

Wow no way Whitefish MT and Big Mountain, I go there every winter. Hows the biking at Big Mountain?

As for you derailleur, here a link that will tell you every thing and more
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64

Check your post in the Bike Mechanic section...I gave you some info there.

Mike

You can remove the cable from the housing and spray alittle wd40 in there then blow it out with compressed air. then clean the cables off with a cloth. reassemble.
Its really not that bad I did mine the other day for the first time.
also try this link (http://webmountainbike.stores.yahoo.net/maintenance.html)

I'd also check to ensure that your components are compatable...I've had this happen (same gears too) when my lbs installed a shifter made for a Shimano derailleur (1:1 ratio) when he should have known to use one designed for Sram (2:1 ratio)

I'd also check to ensure that your components are compatable...I've had this happen (same gears too) when my lbs installed a shifter made for a Shimano derailleur (1:1 ratio) when he should have known to use one designed for Sram (2:1 ratio)
The ratios are the other way around. ;)

Middle chainring up front, small cog in the back.

Loosen the pinch bolt (claming shift cable) at the derailleur. Turn your barrel adjuster (at shifter for Sram) all the way in, then out 1 to 2 full turns. Pull cable snug and tighten pinch bolt.

Then while pedaling bike in a stand or rack, shift into the 2nd gear (at shifter). Turn barrel adjuster out until the chain starts to "climb" (wants to shift into) the 3rd gear. Then turn the barrel adjust back IN one full turn.

This centers your derailleur with your shifter.

Then shift through the gears. If slow to shift as you shift into a larger cog, then turn the barrel adjust out in 1/4 turn increments. If slow to down shift, turn IN in 1/4 turns.

If you're still having problems, i.e. shifts fine in 1 - 3, but hangs up when you shift into 4 & 5, then most likely you derailleur hanger is bent.

Middle chainring up front, small cog in the back.

Loosen the pinch bolt (claming shift cable) at the derailleur. Turn your barrel adjuster (at shifter for Sram) all the way in, then out 1 to 2 full turns. Pull cable snug and tighten pinch bolt.

Then while pedaling bike in a stand or rack, shift into the 2nd gear (at shifter). Turn barrel adjuster out until the chain starts to "climb" (wants to shift into) the 3rd gear. Then turn the barrel adjust back IN one full turn.

This centers your derailleur with your shifter.

Then shift through the gears. If slow to shift as you shift into a larger cog, then turn the barrel adjust out in 1/4 turn increments. If slow to down shift, turn IN in 1/4 turns.

If you're still having problems, i.e. shifts fine in 1 - 3, but hangs up when you shift into 4 & 5, then most likely you derailleur hanger is bent.

The best and easiest to understand write up on derailuer adjustment I have ever seen! Bravo

Seriously, you explained it so simply and easily that it's not even funny. Bookmarked!