Bicycle Mechanics - derailleur adjustment problem: How do I fix this?

So, I got a new bike today. I tried adjusting the derailleur because it was a bit off. It was the first time I've ever tried it, but I think I did a pretty reasonable job on it. The only problem I now have is that whenever I backpedal in first gear (and only in first gear), the chain will slip down into second gear. It doesn't slip if I backpedal on any other gear, and when pedalling normally the gear changes are all smooth. Why is this happening?

Don't backpedal. Problem solved.

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64

Give it another quarter twist to the high limit screw.

Give it another quarter twist to the high limit screw.He's talking about being in the smallest cog and having the chain move up into the 2nd cog. That's perfectly normal behavior due to the chain angle. Unless you're in the middle cogs in the rear, there will always be a bend to the chain. Spinning it backwards will have the chain move up the cog-set until it's straight and in-line with the front chainring. If you don't spin backwards (which is a waste of energy), the chain won't change gears.

Don't backpedal. Problem solved.


He's talking about being in the smallest cog and having the chain move up into the 2nd cog. That's perfectly normal behavior due to the chain angle. Unless you're in the middle cogs in the rear, there will always be a bend to the chain. Spinning it backwards will have the chain move up the cog-set until it's straight and in-line with the front chainring. If you don't spin backwards (which is a waste of energy), the chain won't change gears.

Ok, so it's not really a problem per se as it is just a symptom of the design, right? Good, then I will declare myself successful at my first derailer adjustment. :D