Bicycle Mechanics - Order of adjustment - Front/Rear Derailer

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retrohwam
01-16-10, 11:20 AM
New to the forum:

A couple years ago I purchased a Electra Townie 700C and absolutely love it. I'm never in a hurry and try to ride 15+ miles several times a week to aid in weight reduction. I managed 50 lbs and looking for more. I also ride it to the grocery store a few miles from the house. That said, I want to keep it and the components are wearing out.

I purchased XT components (NOS 760s) and am hoping to swap everything out this weekend as is starting to warm up in Mississippi.

My primary question is that I am replacing both the front, rear derailer and the cassette and don't know what order is best for adjusting them.
My first thought is front - then back, but I honestly don't have a clue.

Any help would be appreciated.

Grand Bois
01-16-10, 11:48 AM
Rear derailer first and read this:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/byregion.asp?catid=53
retrohwam
01-16-10, 01:51 PM
Thanks very much!

Retro Grouch
01-16-10, 02:07 PM
Rear derailer first

Yup. Adjusting the front derailleur involves moving the chain from the largest to the smallest rear cog to check for chain rub. Consequently, that's a lot easier to do if you adjust the rear derailleur first.
Panthers007
01-16-10, 02:33 PM
If you have problems with a FD, here is my Copy & Paste for future reference. Feel free to make a copy:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________

Take the cable off the FD. Now install it from scratch as per Park Tool Repair:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75

And BicycleTutor:

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-front-derailer/

When you have it properly trimmed and are ready for the cable - a new one wouldn't hurt - you want to pull the cable taut - not too tight, taut. Then apply 48 to 60 inch-pounds to the pinch-bolt. Then put it through it's paces.

It's always easier and faster to install a FD from square-one, than it is to make adjustments with it already attached. This tends to fix one thing - while throwing another out of kilter. Start fresh. You'll get it.

Adding an inline barrel-adjuster can solve many problems with the cable coming loose - or being too tight.