Derailleurs Setup
 

Hi there all!!! Newbie roadie from the Seattle Area!!!!!! Joined the site not too long ago and definitely enjoying all the info and tips on this board. Been reading up a lot since I want to start working on my own bike and learning more about the mechanics of it all. So here goes my question......

I know that it's not adviced to have the chain in extreme angles while riding (low,low.... high, high gear combos) Even tho i'm not suppose to use those combos, is it possible to fine tune my derailleurs so that the chain doesn't rub in those gears??? Been tinkering with it a bit but it just seems like I can't get the smallest chain ring to work with the 2 smallest rear sprockets without the chain rubbing on the FD cage... Is this normal for a typical setup (3 chainrings ~ 9 rear sprockets)**********

Thanks all!!!!!

Normal. If you "tweek" it one way, it just rubs on the other extreme.
Some set-ups are worse than others, depending on cog/ring sizes.

Some shifting systems (friction, Campagnolo's two highest groups and pre-QS Campagnolo lower groups) allow "trimming" the front derailleur position so the chain won't rub even at the extremes. You do have to adjust the fd's position when shifting across the entire cassette but it does not rub if done right.

As mentioned, it can be done with a shifting system that allows for trimming, but it will cause increased wear on your chain, chainrings and cassette. Simply not worth it in the long run...

And with the proper gearing, usually not necessary. You should be able to find a suitable gear without going to these extremes. If your typical riding pace has you in one of these extremes for long periods of time, I would consider changing your gearing by either swapping cassettes or chainrings.

Yes... I don't plan on using those extreme gears much at all. Just bugs me that the chain rubs while in those particular combos.

It seems that my shifters does allow for trimming... So i'll be fine tuning the whole thing when I get the time to mess around with it this weekend.

Thanks!!!!!!!!

Although not new to riding, I am new to doing my own work on my bikes. I got "Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance". It gave great info on tuning the derailers.

I must say though, I've never heard that you shouldn't use any gearing combinations. I use everything I've got and always have. :)