Bicycle Mechanics - Newbie needs assistance with derailleur...

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Aahzz
07-26-03, 06:21 PM
Hiya folxx,

I'm *just* starting to ride again after about 10 years - need to drop quite a few pounds, and it's one of the physical activities I do enjoy. So, dragged out my old bike - 10-yr old Murray "Mountain Bike" - I know, don't laugh. I need to ride it for a while, long enough to convince Mrs. Aahzz that I'm serious about riding, and can justify a nifty new ride - and no, I won't be buying it at Wal-Mart this time!

That having been said, my front derailleur doesn't move quite far enough to actually shift the chain onto the larger cog, so I'm stuck with a 5-speed. I looked at the end of the cable, saw the 2 adjustment screws....and don't have a clue what to do with them. Can I get a crash lesson?

Thanks!

Rev.Chuck
07-26-03, 08:46 PM
Those screws only control the limts. If you can get the der. to move over more with your fingers then you just need to take the slack out of the cable. If the der will not move, then you just need to figure which screw controls the outer limit and unscrew it just enough to let the chain upshift.
Aahzz
07-27-03, 06:04 AM
Thanks!

John E
07-27-03, 02:55 PM
An overtightened high-gear limit screw is certainly a possibility, but these screws do not tend to self-tighten as you ride!

The most likely cause of your problem is that the cable has slipped. When you are in your lowest gear (small front / large rear), your front derailleur cable should be just barely slack. Also, make sure your front derailleur cage can move inward and outward smoothly and easily; a little WD-40 or other cleaner and lubricant can help here.

Another possible cause of your problem is misalignment of the front derailleur --make sure the cage is parallel to the chainrings, and loosen the retaining clamp and rotate it accordingly, if not.
joeprim
07-27-03, 06:04 PM
While I agree to a point with John E Kroil wouild work a lot better than WD-40. WD means Water Displacer good but not a lub. Kroil is a super penetrating oil used in this case to clean stuff out. Then use a good lub.

Look as you turn each screw and you should be able to determine which limit screw is which. But I think it's more likely to be clean and adjust the cable which might have streached.

Joe