Bicycle Mechanics - front DR too high about main chain-ring?

I bought a Schwinn Super Sport flat-bar road bike from Performance Bike back in 2007. Works fine. Have 1000 mi on it. Had some recent shifting issues (probably due to chain stretch). Recently, couldn't shift from medium chain-ring to smallest chain-ring.

I just put in a new SRAM X-5 front shifter, fiddled with H/L adjustment on front DR (SR Suntour). Everything seems to be OK.


I've been reading online articles (like Parktools.com), & they are saying the front DR lower-edge-of-outer-cage should sit 2mm about the teeth in the largest chain ring. Mine is a good 3/8" above it!!

Is there something wrong? I have a lifetime free adjustment with Performance, so I could get them to do it. I'm tempted just to do it myself.

TIA for any help/advice.

Probably due to a combination of problems on your bike including drivetrain wear. First thing I would do is to run through the basic adjustments found here (http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75).

If it was my bike I'd have to readjust that front derailleur.

Like the other poster suggested, completely disconnect the front shift cable and follow the Park Tool instructions in order starting with the position of the derailleur on the seat tube. If you do it yourself it'll be much more satisfying than taking it back to Performance. The only tool that you should need is a 5mm allen wrench.

If it was my bike I'd have to readjust that front derailleur.

Like the other poster suggested, completely disconnect the front shift cable and follow the Park Tool instructions in order starting with the position of the derailleur on the seat tube. If you do it yourself it'll be much more satisfying than taking it back to Performance. The only tool that you should need is a 5mm allen wrench.

Do it yourself. If you understand the instructions and can execute, you'll know as much as the shop guys, plus you'll be convinced it's done correctly. And if the problem persists, you'll have eliminated one of the possible causes.

Do it yourself. If you understand the instructions and can execute, you'll know as much as the shop guys, plus you'll be convinced it's done correctly. And if the problem persists, you'll have eliminated one of the possible causes.

Exactly..I went thru the same thought process, & just did it myself.

I'll leave hairy stuff like trueing a wheel to them (I had a situation about a year ago, & they did a great job there).

Following the guide on the Park Tool site and being meticulous about these two settings:

- FD height above chainring
- FD rotation so outer-cage is parallel to chain

will result in much crisper and precise shifting. You won't have to move your hand very much for the same or better shifting performance. You'll also have a larger sweep of the RD before needing to trim the FD.

Based on your pic the der is WAAAAY to high. Drop it down until the cage is 1-2mm above the ring.

As other have suggested go to the Park tool site for more detailed info.